Relations with Ethiopia Developed during Past Six Years, Says Indonesian Ambassador 

Addis Ababa, February 27, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethio-Indonesian bilateral relations have developed over the past six years, the outgoing Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur told ENA.

The ambassador in particular pointed out progresses in economic cooperation, educational partnership, and people-to-people ties.

“If I'm talking about the economy in 2022, the delegation from Ethiopia who attended the trade expo Indonesia in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, was the biggest business delegation from African continent, before it was always from Nigeria. But in 2022, the biggest delegation was from Ethiopia,” Ambassador Basnur pointed out.

Furthermore, he noted the presence of five Indonesian companies engaged in investment in Ethiopia, with more showing interest.

“There are now five Indonesian companies investing in Ethiopia. And there are three or four more Indonesian companies interested to invest in Ethiopia, more on pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage.” 

According to him, educational cooperation among Ethiopian and Indonesian universities have also surged.  

“During my time, Ethiopian universities and Indonesian universities have signed 49 MoUs. Before my arrival here, only two. So, totally we have now 52 MoUs signed by Ethiopian universities and Indonesian universities.”

As part of a public diplomacy to strengthen people-to-people ties, the ambassador stated that hundreds of events have been organized to promote Ethio-Indonesia cooperation.

Additionally, 17 books were published at the embassy by Ethiopian and Indonesian writers, including the three by the ambassador. 

“I got published 17 (books) written by Ethiopian academician, students, scholars, businessmen, and even the student in their secondary schools. These books are written by Ethiopian and Indonesian writers. From the 17 books, I wrote the three. I was a journalist and also a writer. So, this is the way how to connect Ethiopian and Indonesian people through their writings.”

To sum up, the major achievements are in economy, education, and people-to-people contact, Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur said.

“During the past six years, I've been in touch with not only higher officials of the Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa, but also in the regions; and also I got in touch with so many friends in Ethiopia. I fully understand the importance of people-to-people contact in diplomacy.”

The outgoing ambassador finally expressed confidence in the future of Ethio-Indonesian relations.

“I believe the upcoming Indonesian ambassador here will do much better than me. I believe our two countries will be stronger than and better than during my time here.”