Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka announced a mutual visa-free policy between Indonesia and South Africa at the Indonesia-Africa CEO Forum in Johannesburg. The announcement stems from a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa in October. The policy is expected to facilitate economic cooperation between the two nations.
Vice President of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the Indonesia-Africa CEO Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday afternoon local time. The forum was initiated by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) during the G20 Summit 2025. In his English-language speech, Gibran conveyed warm greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and appreciated the hospitality of the South African government.
Gibran announced a mutual visa-free policy for South African citizens entering Indonesia and vice versa. "The visit of President Ramaphosa a few weeks ago to Indonesia reflects the close cooperation between the two countries. The two Presidents agreed on visa-free entry, so I think this is good news for all of you, no more visas," Gibran said. The announcement was met with applause from the attending South African entrepreneurs.
The policy follows the meeting between Prabowo and Ramaphosa at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta in October. At that time, Prabowo expressed hopes to accelerate the implementation of cooperation agreements, including visa-free arrangements. "We also hope to establish closer cooperation in people-to-people arrangements, for example, mutual visa-free arrangements," Prabowo stated.
Gibran emphasized Indonesia's commitment to expanding investments in South Africa, particularly in agriculture and energy sectors. South Africa was described as a strategic partner and gateway to the African market, while Indonesia offers industrial capacity, human resources, manufacturing networks, technology, and access to the ASEAN market. He also appreciated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic industries.
Gibran concluded his speech by offering assistance to Africa. "We are open to helping all of you because Africa is the continent that will determine the future. Africa is developing very rapidly and full of potential. Africa is the future and Indonesia wants to build that future together with Africa," he said. The forum was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir, and Kadin Chairman Anindya Bakrie.
