A new diplomatic shift took shape on July 13, 2025, when Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, paid an official visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. The much publicized high-level engagement signaled a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between the two Muslim-majority nations of Indonesia and Somalia, with wide-ranging implications for development and diplomacy.
During the talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Minister Sugiono, Abdisalam explored opportunities for collaboration in trade, education, healthcare, fisheries, and international diplomacy. For Somalia, Indonesia’s developmental trajectory offers a particularly viable partner. Indonesia is an emerging power with strong credentials in public service delivery, industrial production and military modernization, Indonesia can be a strategic partner. Several key areas stand out where Somalia stands to benefit:
Agriculture and Fisheries Development
Indonesia is widely recognized for its modernized agriculture and industrial-scale fishing sectors. With Somalia boasting the longest coastline on the African continent, the country has the potential to transform its blue economy. Through Indonesian training programs, access to equipment, and the transfer of modern technology and techniques, Somalia could substantially increase its agricultural yields and seafood exports, both in volume and value.
Scholarships and Training Opportunities
Indonesia pledged a range of scholarships to Somali students under programs such as KNB, Darmasiswa, and TIAS—government-sponsored academic initiatives aimed at students from developing countries. These offerings provide Somali youth the opportunity to pursue higher education at some of Indonesia’s leading universities. Moreover, both nations also bilaterally agreed to bolster cooperation in diplomatic training, aimed at enhancing the skills and professionalism of Somalia’s civil service.
Improving Healthcare Services
Somalia is also poised to substantially benefit from Indonesia’s expertise in public healthcare, particularly in prevention of communicable diseases, community health, and the adoption of modern medical technologies. As Somali citizens continue to face immense difficulties securing visas to Egypt, India, Turkey, and Kenya for medical treatment, Indonesia may emerge as a more accessible destination for high-quality healthcare.
Maritime Security and Naval Training
Given the urgency of safeguarding maritime resources, a much stressed point, Indonesia has committed to assisting Somalia in building up its naval capacity. This includes training programs for coast guard units focused on combating illegal fishing and piracy. Strengthening Somalia’s naval forces is seen as critical to protecting its economic interests in the Indian Ocean and dealing with the threat of high seas piracy.
Joint Diplomacy on the Global Stage
The two Muslim nations acknowledged the strategic importance of greater cooperation within the broader Islamic world. They agreed to support each other in multilateral forums, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and United Nations bodies. Indonesia, in particular, expressed its willingness to serve as a reliable ally for Somalia on key international issues.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister’s visit marked a milestone in bilateral relations, signaling the start of what both sides hope will be a fruitful and enduring partnership. Should Somalia capitalize on the opportunities offered by Indonesia, the country could be poised to see meaningful progress across multiple sectors.
The groundwork for this renewed relationship was laid on May 8, 2025, when Somalia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Faysal Ahmed Salad, presented his credentials to President Prabowo Subianto. In the months that followed his credentials handover, both governments worked to accelerate diplomatic engagement—culminating in the signing of a series of successive cooperation agreements.