- Ambassador Harahap’s contributions to growing Nigeria-Indonesia relations
By Daniel Peters
Over the past five years, exports of Nigeria to Indonesia have astronomically risen at an annual rate of 51.8% from $148m in 2017 to $1.19b in 2022.
This success is as a result of the impeccable diplomatic policies and programmes of the out-going Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Mr.Usra Hendra Harahap.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria is accredited to several other countries in Africa, including the Republic of Ghana, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, and also Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The out-going Ambassador, Dr. Usra, was also able to foster Economic cooperation, trade, and investment, Cultural Understanding between Nigeria and Indonesia during his term as an Ambassador.
It was during the same period of his administration as an Ambassador that Nigeria exported high crude petroleum products at over $3.8b, Cocoa Beans at $104m and nitrogenous fertilizers at $35.5m.
During the period of his Stewardship, Dr. Usra was able to build and maintain positive relationships with Nigerian government, Citizens, and organisations.
He was also able to effectively communicate Indonesian policies, interests, and values to Nigeria.
Dr Usra represented Indonesia with dignity, integrity and professionalism by staying informed and up-to-date on political, economic and social developments in Nigeria.
The out-going Ambassador Supported and protected Indonesian interest, while also being respectful to the Nigerian sovereignty. He was a skilled diplomat, strategist, and representative, who worked to strengthen bilateral relations.
Dr. Usra’s success was stemmed from his continued promotion of relations between Nigeria and Indonesia, creating suitable working condition for Nigerian staffs at the Embassy, as well as Promoting Nigeria’s image in Indonesia and other Countries of the world.
He was also able to collaborate with other diplomats, international organisations, and stakeholders to address global challenges. It is safe to say that this has made him a special personality of the Indonesian diplomacy and a true friend of Nigeria.
The other part of Ambassador Usra that could not be hidden no matter how hard he tries to hide it was his milk of kindness. This led him to his building of schools, building of Masjid, renovation of schools and Ramadan Charity, to name but few.
The out-going Ambassador’s generosity knows no bounds as he extended his olive branch of magnanimity even to domestic staff working under him by providing them with plots of land and to assist them build their own houses; an act unprecedented.
This selfless benevolence has not only improved their living conditions but has also provided them with a sense of security and belonging.
But that is not all; the Ambassador has also been actively involved in supporting Quranic education, charity, attending graduations and visiting schools to encourage students in their spiritual journey.
The Ambassador’s recent visit to a Quranic school’s graduation ceremony in Kurudu, Yanyan, in the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian Capital, attested to his dedication to the Community.
Furthermore, the Ambassador has consistently demonstrated his commitment to helping those in need. During Ramadan and Eid, he provides food, Cows, and Rams to impoverished families, ensuring they can celebrate these significant occasions with dignity.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap’s tenure spanned from 2018 to 2024.
The Republic of Indonesia is a Country in South East Asia, with 38 provinces and its capital is in Jakarta, which is the world’s second-most-populous urban area.
