Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali

JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia plans to sign business deals worth $3.5 billion with African countries as it hosts the second Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali, as stated by President Joko Widodo on Monday.

The forum, which runs until September 3, aims to enhance economic cooperation as Indonesia seeks to expand its export markets.

“The partnership between Indonesia and Africa has significantly increased trade volumes and agreements,” said President Widodo during his opening speech.

Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed at the event, including a geothermal project between Indonesia’s state power utility, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, and Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), as well as an agreement between Indonesia’s Bio Farma and Ghana’s Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd, according to the foreign ministry’s statement on Sunday.

Further details were not provided by the ministry.

Indonesian authorities announced plans to increase airport surveillance during the forum to prevent the spread of mpox, which was also discussed during the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum over the weekend, as reported by state news Antara.