A historic moment that highlights unity, diplomacy, and shared progress toward a future of global partnership

Jakarta captured global attention on October 22–23, 2025, as two friendly heads of state, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, made official visits to Indonesia. These consecutive visits marked an important milestone in deepening diplomatic relations and strengthening strategic cooperation between Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa, all of which are members of BRICS.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. The welcoming ceremony was both dignified and festive, featuring an honor guard, a 21-gun salute, and the national anthems of both countries echoing across the palace grounds. The warm atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of elementary and junior high school students waving the flags of Indonesia and South Africa.

During the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with South Africa, particularly as both nations play vital roles within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The BRICS group has emerged as a new economic power that balances the dominance of Western economies. President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of closer collaboration within BRICS and the G20 to promote a fairer global economic system for countries in the Global South.

President Prabowo was joined by senior officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The meeting reflected Indonesia’s active diplomatic efforts in fostering solidarity among developing nations.

The next day, Thursday, October 23, 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil arrived in Jakarta. After visiting the National Monument (Monas), he was warmly welcomed by President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace. Both leaders greeted enthusiastic students waving the flags of Indonesia and Brazil, symbolizing the close and friendly ties between the two countries.

President Lula’s visit followed President Prabowo’s earlier trip to Brazil in July 2025. In addition to attending a business forum and observing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, both leaders also celebrated their birthdays together at the Presidential Palace Complex, showcasing their personal friendship that strengthened diplomatic relations even further.

During the meeting, Indonesia and Brazil signed eight strategic cooperation agreements covering sectors such as energy, mining, science, technology, agriculture, statistics, and partnerships between business communities and chambers of commerce. This achievement demonstrates Indonesia’s strong commitment to expanding its global diplomatic reach and reinforcing its strategic position among developing nations.

The state visits of the two presidents reaffirmed Indonesia’s role as a key partner in building a more inclusive, balanced, and equitable global economic order.

photo source: instagram.com/presidenrepublikindonesia [Tim Media Presiden]

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