Short background story

The Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Indonesia established diplomatic relations on January 1984, and since then have steadily strengthened their bilateral cooperation through sustained political dialogue and shared commitments at regional and international levels.

Bilateral ties have deepened significantly in recent years through high-level engagement, notably following the meeting between President Paul Kagame and President Joko Widodo at the 2022 G20 Summit. This momentum culminated in the opening of the first resident Embassy of Rwanda in Jakarta on June 6, 2024, reinforcing Rwanda’s direct diplomatic presence in Indonesia. The embassy is led by Ambassador Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana, who presented his credentials in December 2023.

Political and economic cooperation has expanded through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in areas including political and security consultations, trade, agriculture, energy, and mining, alongside a visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders. Trade between the two countries doubled in 2023, and discussions are underway toward a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

Cooperation continues to broaden into strategic areas, supported by ongoing presidential engagements, including President Kagame’s participation in the 2nd Indonesia–Africa Forum in 2024 and 2025 meeting between Presidents Kagame and Prabowo Subianto. Indonesia and Rwanda also collaborate closely in multilateral fora such as the WTO, Non-Aligned Movement, and G77, reflecting their shared commitment to multilateralism and South–South cooperation.

Vision, Mission, and Mandate

The mission of the Embassy is to strengthen bilateral and multilateral economic co-operation between Rwanda and Indonesia.

Vision

The Embassy of Rwanda in Indonesia is accredited to Indonesia. It’s Single Strategic Plan (2020-2021) is anchored on Rwanda’s foreign policy built on three major pillars: Building and Consolidating Peace and Security, creating wealth as well as involving Rwandan Community in Indonesia in socio-economic development of the country. The Embassy plan is in line with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) with main interventions in, sustaining Rwanda as a relevant country and a haven of peace and stability in the region, positioning Rwanda as an active player in global issues, contributing to economic development and ensuring participation of Rwandans living abroad (RCA) in political and socio-economic advancement.

Mission

The mission of Rwanda Embassy in Indonesia is to effectively represent Rwanda to its countries of accreditation through advancing Rwanda’s vital interest in Diplomatic, Political, Security and Social Economical areas.

Mandate

To implement national foreign policy with a focus on investment promotion and technology sourcing; Strengthen political, economic and technical cooperation and fund mobilization within countries of accreditation; Promotion of Rwanda’s good image in the jurisdiction and contribution to international meetings and advocate for Rwanda’s interests; To contribute to diaspora mobilization within the area of jurisdiction.