The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi hosted a diplomatic reception on August 7, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel to mark 80 years of Indonesia’s independence and reinforce cooperation between Indonesia and Kenya.
The event brought together over 300 guests, including government officials, diplomats, UN representatives, business leaders, and members of the Indonesian diaspora. It served as a platform to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs was represented by Ambassador Josphat K. Maikara, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, who congratulated Indonesia on its 80th independence anniversary and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening cooperation.
In his address, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Witjaksono Adji, highlighted the progress of the two nations as “partners for justice, sustainability, and inclusive growth.” He underscored collaboration in sectors such as green energy, agriculture, health, and education, and emphasized Indonesia’s role in multilateral forums including ASEAN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G20.
Ambassador Adji also reiterated Indonesia’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the Two-State Solution, reflecting the country’s broader commitment to justice and humanitarian principles.
He noted that under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia continues to pursue an independent and cooperative foreign policy focused on peace and shared prosperity. “We are eager to collaborate in manufacturing, health, textiles, and agriculture through investment, training, and technology transfer,” he said.
The envoy also commended the success of the Indonesia Nairobi Expo (IndoNEX) 2025, held in November, which brought together business leaders from both countries to explore trade and education partnerships.
Ambassador Maikara, in his remarks, recalled the historical ties between Asia and Africa, referencing the 1955 Bandung Conference that laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South Cooperation.
The evening featured cultural performances by Kenyan students from Daystar University, who sang both the Indonesian and Kenyan national anthems, alongside traditional Indonesian songs. Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat and dances such as Kembang Kipas and Tari Piring were performed by visiting artists, showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
Guests also sampled Indonesian cuisine, including tumpeng, sate, soto ayam, nasi goreng, and gado-gado, complemented by products from Indonesian businesses operating in Kenya.
The reception concluded with a lively flash mob featuring popular Indonesian songs, reflecting the growing people-to-people ties between the two countries.
According to Wisnu Lombardwinanto, Minister Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy, the event was part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations and promote Indonesia’s culture, economy, and investment opportunities in Kenya.
