KBRN, Rwanda: The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Tanzania, also accredited to Rwanda, Burundi, and the East African Community (EAC), Tri Yogo Jatmiko, officially appointed Athanase Rutabingwa as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia (Konhor RI) for Rwanda on January 29, 2025. In his speech, Tri Yogo emphasized that the appointment of the Honorary Consul was a strategic movement to strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and Rwanda.

“The presence of the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Kigali is expected to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, as well as strengthen social and cultural ties between the two countries,” said Tri Yogo Jatmiko in the official statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) received on Monday (3/2/2025).

Furthermore, Tri Yogo highlighted the important role of the Honorary Consul in providing protection for Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Rwanda. With this official representation, it is hoped that the relationship between the two countries will become even closer and mutually supportive across various sectors.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of Asia Pacific and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, Hon. Virgile Rwanyagatare, expressed his belief that the appointment of the Honorary Consul of Indonesia would further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

He emphasized the long-standing historical ties between Indonesia and Rwanda and the increasingly developing cooperation. As the Honorary Consul of Indonesia, Athanase Rutabingwa expressed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

“I am committed to encouraging increased trade and investment, facilitating business travel, and ensuring the protection of Indonesian citizens in Rwanda,” he stated.