32nd Kwibohora to Strengthen Friendship between Rwanda and Indonesia

The 32nd Rwanda Liberation Day (Kwibohara) commemoration in Jakarta

JAKARTA - The 32nd Rwanda Liberation Day (Kwibohara) commemoration in Jakarta is an important momentum to strengthen bilateral relations as well as introduce Rwanda's cultural wealth to the Indonesian people.

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Indonesia commemorates Kwibohora this year through a cultural night titled "Kwibohora 32 - Rwanda's Journey Continues" which was held at The St. Regis Jakarta Ballroom on Friday, July 17, 2026, WIB evening.

This event was attended by representatives of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, diplomatic corps, the Rwandan community in Indonesia (Rwanda Community Abroad/RCA), development partners, business actors, academics, media, and friends of Rwanda in Indonesia.

With the theme "Rwanda's Journey Continues", this year's commemoration is a reflection of Rwanda's long journey in rebuilding the nation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rather than just remembering history, Kwibohora has become a symbol of the resilience, unity, reconciliation, and determination of the Rwandan people to continue moving towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to Indonesia H.E. Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana said that Kwibohora reminded them of Rwanda's long journey in rebuilding the nation with a spirit of unity, resilience, and hope.

"The theme of Rwanda's Journey Continues reflects our belief that liberation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a responsibility to continue to build a better future for future generations," said Abdul Karim Harelimana.

Over the past three decades, Rwanda has shown significant transformation. From a country that once experienced conflict and destruction, Rwanda is now known as one of the countries that has successfully built stability, strengthened governance, promoted gender equality, improved the quality of education and health services, and accelerated economic growth based on innovation and sustainable development.

This spirit is also reflected in the continued growing relationship between Rwanda and Indonesia. Both countries have the same commitment in promoting peace, development, and South-South cooperation as a foundation for facing various global challenges.

Representing the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said that Rwanda's journey has been an inspiration for many countries, including Indonesia, in building unity and strengthening the spirit of national renewal.

"In the midst of current global challenges, this warning reminds us that peace, reconciliation, and development must continue to go hand in hand. This spirit is the foundation for Indonesia to continue to strengthen cooperation with Rwanda in various fields to create a better future for both countries," said Darmosumarto.

Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Rwanda themselves continue to show positive developments. In addition to strengthening cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, education, and development, the two countries are also exploring the conclusion of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as a strategic step to open up wider economic opportunities and improve trade relations in the future.

As part of the 32nd Kwibohora anniversary, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda presented a cultural performance featuring Ruti Joel, a traditional Rwandan musician known for his efforts to preserve Gakondo music, a traditional Rwandan musical heritage combined with modern arrangements.

Her appearance is a symbol of how Rwanda continues to maintain its cultural identity while introducing it to the world through an approach that is relevant to today's generation.

Abdul Karim Harelimana emphasized that culture has an important role in strengthening inter-state relations and becoming one of the pillars of effective diplomacy. He said that inter-state relations are not only built through political and economic cooperation, but also through mutual understanding of each other's culture.

"Music and culture are universal languages that can bring people from different backgrounds together, build a sense of mutual understanding, and strengthen international friendship," he said.

In addition to being part of the commemoration of Rwanda's Liberation Day, Ruti Joel's performance is also part of the cultural diplomacy mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to Indonesia.

Through traditional music, Rwanda wants to introduce the richness of its culture, values of togetherness, and the spirit of its people to the Indonesian public as an effort to build closer people-to-people connections.

The series of Kwibohora 32 celebrations will continue on July 18, 2026 through the Ruti Joel cultural concert at Midaz Golf Senayan, Jakarta. The concert is a space for closer interaction between the Indonesian people and the Rwandan culture.