Diplomacy Against Terrorism: Indonesia, Nigeria Forge Stronger Defence Collaboration. (Photo/NAN)
Abuja, (EPICSTORIAN) – The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Usra Harahap, has emphasized the shared defence and security challenges between Indonesia and Nigeria, highlighting collaborative efforts to counter terrorism and foster diplomatic-military ties.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Harahap, a retired Air Vice Marshal, disclosed that his military background has significantly informed his diplomatic approach during his six-year tenure in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
Strategic Diplomatic Engagements in Subregion
Harahap revealed that his dual accreditation to ECOWAS allowed him to engage with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially during their recent threats to withdraw from the regional bloc.
“The development of relations between the two countries is very dynamic. In various fields, relations between governments are improving. Diplomatic action is, after all, a form of war without weapons,” he stated.
According to the envoy, Nigeria and Indonesia have long recognized the importance of shared experiences in tackling terrorism and advancing counter-terrorism strategies. “Nigeria has a wealth of experience in counter-terrorism, and Indonesia, too, has faced similar challenges. This collaboration enables both countries to share and learn from each other,” he added.
Training and Development
Harahap emphasized the military cooperation between both nations, particularly through scholarships for young Nigerian military officers at Indonesia’s prestigious defence university. “Some officers have already graduated, while others are still undergoing training,” he noted.
The envoy cited this initiative as part of his efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Indonesia relations and bolster regional security.
Terrorism Mitigation and Regional Stability
Reflecting on his tenure, Harahap described his most significant achievement as curbing the escalation of terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion through strategic diplomatic efforts. “We employed diplomacy to prevent the escalation of terrorism. It is a highly effective tool in maintaining stability,” he explained.
As Indonesia’s longest-serving ambassador to Nigeria, Harahap expressed satisfaction with the progress made in fostering bilateral and multilateral relations, ensuring continuity for his successors. “It is our duty to drive growth between our nations and address shared challenges with a strong commitment to complement each other,” he stated.
Cultural Appreciation and Trade Relations
Beyond diplomacy, Harahap reflected on his personal connection with Nigerian culture, admitting a fondness for local dishes like suya, a spiced roasted beef delicacy.
On trade, NAN reports that Nigeria is Indonesia’s second-largest trade partner in Africa, with bilateral trade volumes currently at approximately $4 billion.
As Harahap concludes his tenure, his legacy underscores the enduring partnership between Indonesia and Nigeria, built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a commitment to addressing common challenges.
