JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Arrmanatha Nasir, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambian Citizens Abroad Sering Modou Njie, inaugurated the Agricultural Rural Farmers Training Center (ARFTC) in Jenoi as an agricultural training center and food security driver in West Africa, on Wednesday.
Almost three decades as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, ARFTC is now back in operation after being revitalized through the support of the Indonesian Government, marking a new phase of development cooperation that has a real impact on the region.
The inauguration was carried out on the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesian-Gambia Joint Commission Meeting in Banjul on June 30-July 1, 2026.
"The inauguration of the ARFTC is not merely a sign of infrastructure rejuvenation. This is an update of Indonesia's commitment to continue to work with Gambia in strengthening food security, building capacity, and sharing knowledge that will benefit future generations," explained Wamenlu Tata, launching the statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday (2/7).
Established in 1996, ARFTC was initiated through cooperation between the Indonesian Government, the Indonesian Agricultural Community Charity Foundation (YAMPI), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Since its inception, ARFTC has become a training center for more than 6,000 farmers and agricultural extension workers from The Gambia and various West African countries, such as Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Senegal.
"Indonesia is exploring the potential for collaboration with other development partner countries through the South-South and Triangular Cooperation schemes to organize various agricultural training in ARFTC Jenoi for African countries," said Wamenlu Tata.
The revitalization of ARFTC confirms Indonesia's commitment to bringing about development cooperation that has a real impact.
In the future, ARFTC is expected to develop as a regional center of excellence that strengthens agricultural innovation, human resource development, and food security in West Africa.
One seed planted can feed a family. However, the knowledge shared can change the future of a nation.
That is the spirit that continues to animate ARFTC. Indonesia will continue to be a partner for The Gambia in strengthening food security, building capacity, and sharing development experiences for the progress of The Gambia and West Africa.
"Because true friendship, as the best harvest, is born from commitment and concrete actions that we continue to cultivate and maintain together," concluded Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tata.
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