The recent state visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo to Tanzania from August 21 to August 22 has proven to be a resounding success for both nations, marked by the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various areas of cooperation.

The historical ties between Tanzania and Indonesia date back to 1964, just after the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Indonesia established its embassy in Tanzania in 1964, and reciprocally, Tanzania opened its embassy in Indonesia in 2022.

President Widodo’s visit to Tanzania underscores President Samia Suluhu’s commitment to opening up the country for increased investment, revenue generation, and economic growth. During a press briefing at the State House in Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu expressed gratitude to President Widodo for choosing Tanzania as one of the African nations he has visited since assuming office in 2014.

President Samia Suluhu also revealed that during their private discussions, one of the key agreements reached with President Widodo was to uphold and enhance relations across political, social, and economic dimensions for the broader benefit of both Tanzanian and Indonesian citizens.

Speaking to the press, President Widodo expressed immense pleasure in visiting Tanzania for the first time and highlighted the deepening roots of friendship between his nation and African countries since the 1950s.

He further shared that in discussions with President Samia, they agreed to enhance trade ties and increase investments in Tanzania, particularly in sectors like gas, fertilizers, and chemical industries.

As a result of the substantial investments between Tanzania and Indonesia, President Widodo proposed the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty to ensure the protection and sustainability of this productive trade cooperation.

A brief ceremony held at the Magogoni State House in Dar es Salaam witnessed the signing of seven MoUs in the presence of both presidents. The MoUs encompassed various crucial areas of collaboration, including:

• Establishment of a joint commission for bilateral cooperation
• Agreement on exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports
• Cooperation in the field of health
• Collaboration in the energy sector
• Cooperation between state mining corporations STAMICO from Tanzania and PT Mineral Industry Indonesia
• Partnership between TANESCO and PLN Persero in the electricity sector
• Collaboration between TPDC and PT Pertamina Persero for the development of oil and gas upstream and downstream activities.

The signing of these MoUs solidifies the commitment of both nations to foster closer ties, facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration, and promote mutual development. President Widodo’s historic visit to Tanzania serves as a testament to the strengthening of diplomatic, economic, and social bonds, aligned with the shared vision of both nations to achieve progress, prosperity, and sustainable growth.