Indonesia-Gambia Strengthen Multisectoral Cooperation, Wamenlu Tata: A Mirror of Commitment in Line with the Spirit of Bandung

JAKARTA - The agreement between Indonesia and Gambia to strengthen multisectoral cooperation reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations in line with the Bandung Spirit.

Indonesia and Gambia agreed on a series of concrete steps to strengthen cooperation in the fields of food security, trade, and human resource development in the 2nd Joint Commission Meeting (SKB) which took place in Banjul, Gambia.

The meeting, which was jointly chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Citizens of Gambia Abroad Sering Modou Njie, was held on June 30 - July 1, 2026.

"The meeting reflects the strong commitment of both countries to further strengthen the diplomatic relations that have been closely intertwined since 1982, and based on the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect in line with the Bandung Spirit," said Wamenlu Tata, launching the statement of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday (3/7).

The second Indonesia-Gambia SKB produced a number of important achievements, including the signing of the General Framework of Cooperation MoU between Indonesia and Gambia, the reopening of the Agricultural Rural Farmers Training Centre (ARFTC) in Jenoi, Gambia, and a joint commitment to expand Indonesia's economic access to the West African region.

In particular, the General Framework of Cooperation Indonesia-Gambia MoU will be a new foundation for expanding cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, as well as providing a clearer framework for the ministries and agencies of the two countries to realize various cooperation programs.

Indonesia also welcomes the plan to appoint a Honorary Consul of the Gambia in Jakarta. This step is expected to make consular services easier and strengthen people-to-people and business-to-business relations between the two countries.

Regarding economic cooperation, Indonesia encourages the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with ECOWAS to expand market access for Indonesian products to the West African region with a population of more than 450 million.

Gambia expressed its readiness to support and facilitate the process. In addition, both parties also agreed to encourage inter-regional collaboration, the development of MSMEs, and the strengthening of cooperation between the private sector.

In the field of human resources capacity building, Indonesia welcomes the plan to establish the Foreign Service Academy of The Gambia. Indonesia is ready to share experiences and support the development of a curriculum and diplomatic training for The Gambia.

"We welcome the participation of Gambian diplomats in the International Mid-Career Diplomat Training to be held by the Education and Training Center of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs this year," said Wamenlu Tata.

In strengthening people-to-people contact and cooperation in the fields of research and education, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also visited The University of The Gambia (UTG) and witnessed the inauguration of the establishment of the Association of Alumni of Gambia-Indonesia Students (Alumni Association of Gambia-Indonesia Students or AL-GAMINDAS).

"This alumni network will be a valuable asset in bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Gambia," said Wamenlu Tata.

Through the concrete results of the 2nd SKB, Indonesia and Gambia reaffirmed their commitment to make South-South partnerships not only a principle of diplomacy, but also a real cooperation that provides direct benefits for farmers, business actors, students, and the people of both countries.