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The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Usra Harahab, emphasized that both nations share common interests and experiences in defence and security, underscoring their growing collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, Harahab, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, shared insights from his six-year tenure in Nigeria and ECOWAS, where he utilized his military expertise to strengthen Indonesia’s diplomatic and military partnerships within the region.
He highlighted that his dual accreditation as ambassador to ECOWAS enabled him to engage with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially during times of tension when they considered leaving ECOWAS.
“The relationship between Indonesia and Nigeria is progressing rapidly. Diplomatic ties between the governments are improving,” he stated. “With my military background, I’ve come to understand that diplomacy is another form of warfare, only without the weapons.”
Harahab explained that both nations benefit from shared expertise in countering terrorism. “Nigeria has valuable experience in combating terrorism, and Indonesia has its own vast experience in this area,” he noted.
As part of the military cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador has facilitated scholarships for young Nigerian military officers to study at Indonesia’s defence university. “Some have already graduated, while others are still undergoing training,” he added.
One of Harahab’s proudest achievements, he said, was his diplomatic efforts to combat the spread of terrorism within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region. “We worked hard to prevent the escalation of terrorism through diplomacy, which played a crucial role in containing the situation,” he remarked.
As the longest-serving Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, Harahab expressed confidence that the strong diplomatic relations he helped build would continue to grow under his successors. “Indonesia and Nigeria are both major countries, and it is our responsibility to strengthen ties to address mutual challenges,” he said.
He also shared a personal note, revealing that he would miss certain Nigerian dishes, particularly Suya, the roasted beef seasoned with local spices.
According to reports, Nigeria is Indonesia’s second-largest trade partner in Africa, after South Africa, with the trade volume between the two countries reaching approximately four billion dollars.