The Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, hosted its first integrated cultural exhibition, Discover Indonesia, at PlaYce Yaoundé from 14 to 16 November 2025.
Over the three days, hundreds of visitors came to the city’s largest shopping mall, eager to explore Indonesia more closely.
The exhibition offered insights into Indonesia’s history and diplomacy, its cultural richness including traditional textiles, musical instruments, regional clothing, batik, and other cultural artifacts, Indonesia – Cameroon relations, as well as higher education scholarship opportunities for Cameroonian students. Children joined the batik coloring activity with great enthusiasm, a simple yet engaging way to introduce them and their families to the art of batik.
The culinary section drew consistent crowds, with visitors keen to taste Indonesian treats such as kue lumpur, cassava chips, stuffed tofu, dadar gulung, and bakwan. The atmosphere grew even livelier when Embassy staff performed the Mandau Dance, followed by mass dances to songs like Tabola Bale, Gemu Fa Mi Re, and Hioko Tobelo, guided by Indonesian seminarians currently studying at a Catholic theological institut in Cameroon.A special business desk showcased a range of Indonesian products, from snacks and cosmetics to helmets. Several business visitors expressed interest in learning more about import opportunities, distribution pathways, and potential collaborations with Indonesian companies. The event also served as a platform to promote the 2026 Trade Expo Indonesia and the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair.
His Excellency Agung Cahaya Sumirat (in the middle).
Indonesia’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Agung Cahaya Sumirat, welcomed the strong enthusiasm from the Cameroonian public and emphasized his commitment to continuing interactive and integrated promotional efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s presence in Cameroon.One visitor, Youssouph, said he was delighted to gain new insights about Indonesia that he had never encountered before. Another visitor, Claudine Ngodem, who came with her children, appreciated the batik coloring activity, calling it both enjoyable and educational.
The participation of several Filipino nationals showing support for the exhibition, along with young Cameroonian influencers who helped spread the word and acted almost like Indonesia’s promoters, added an extra spark to the event. The Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé is Indonesia’s newest foreign mission, having begun operations in December 2023. At this early stage, building broad social networks is essential.
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Yaoundé