President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper economic and political co-operation between South Africa and Indonesia, using his state visit to Jakarta this week to urge a stronger partnership across trade, defence, and agriculture.

Speaking at the opening of official bilateral talks this week, Ramaphosa welcomed Indonesia’s accession to the BRICS grouping and said its participation would strengthen the coalition’s drive for a more equitable global order. He confirmed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November, during South Africa’s G20 presidency.

Ramaphosa said the two nations should finalise a series of outstanding agreements and use their Joint Commission for Bilateral Co-operation to push forward new projects that could: “advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.” He encouraged Indonesian firms to invest through South Africa as a strategic entry point to the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting the potential for joint ventures in energy, food production, and manufacturing.

Framing the relationship as a hedge against global trade volatility, Ramaphosa said that South Africa and Indonesia could: “build resilient, diversified economies together,” positioning both countries as leading voices for the Global South.

His remarks signal Pretoria’s intent to widen its Asian partnerships beyond China and India.