Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
INDONESIA’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Arief Hidayat, has reaffirmed the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Harare and Jakarta, saying both countries share a common struggle against colonialism and a vision for deeper cooperation.
Speaking as Indonesia marked its 80th Independence Day, Ambassador Hidayat said independence remained a blessing that Indonesians celebrated annually with gratitude, from the largest cities to the remotest islands of the archipelago.
“Independence is a blessing from God. That is why every village, even on a small island in Indonesia, celebrates with joy and gratitude,” he said.
Ambassador Hidayat said while the official diplomatic reception in Harare would be held later in the year — likely in October or November — the Indonesian mission was already sharing the spirit of the day with Zimbabwean friends, including local alumni who studied in Indonesia.
He described Zimbabwe as one of Indonesia’s key partners in southern Africa.
“Indonesia and Zimbabwe share the same experience of struggling from colonial power. From this similarity, we share the same spirit of friendship and the same spirit of cooperation,” Ambassador Hidayat said.
He noted that the two countries were exploring practical areas of partnership, particularly in mining, agriculture and education.
Zimbabwe’s rich natural resources, such as lithium and tobacco, and its growing agricultural exports, Ambassador Hidayat said, provided significant opportunities for collaboration.
“As Indonesia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Zambia, I plan to explore cooperation in minerals, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges through education and training,” he said.
Ambassador Hidayat said bilateral ties must translate into real benefits for citizens of both countries and partnerships should help drive peace, stability and prosperity.
“Through the friendship between the Indonesian people and the Zimbabwean people, we try to find cooperation that brings benefit to both,” he said.
The envoy said Indonesia remained committed to strengthening relations not only with Zimbabwe, but also with Africa at large, building on shared experiences of resilience and independence.
