Indonesian Ambassador: $1.2 million in Kuwaiti investments in non-oil sectors in our country in 2025

Osama Diab: The Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lina Mariana, affirmed the depth and robustness of Kuwaiti-Indonesian relations, describing them as a distinguished model of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. She emphasized both countries’ commitment to elevating and expanding these ties across various fields.

This statement was made during a speech delivered by the Ambassador at a reception hosted by her embassy to celebrate Indonesia’s National Day and the 81st anniversary of its independence. The event was attended by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabih Al-Mukhaimis, along with several ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Kuwait.

Mariana noted that both countries are commemorating 58 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 28, 1968. She stressed that these relations have witnessed steady growth and continuous development over the past decades, with both nations continuing to explore new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors to strengthen their existing partnership and serve the interests of their friendly peoples. She pointed out that the Indonesian government has chosen the slogan “Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia” for its 81st Independence Anniversary, as it reflects the Indonesian people’s aspirations for a more prosperous future.

The Ambassador confirmed that bilateral relations have gained significant momentum in recent years through high-level mutual visits and the signing of numerous cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in various fields, including the agreement to establish a Joint Committee. She revealed that both countries will hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in late November, adding that both sides are working to finalize arrangements for hosting the first Kuwaiti-Indonesian Energy Forum in Indonesia.

On the trade front, she expressed her country’s hope for continued growth in the volume of trade between Indonesia and Kuwait, targeting an annual growth rate of at least 10%. She emphasized efforts to achieve a more balanced trade balance and expressed hope that negotiations for a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be completed by 2026, thereby opening broader horizons for trade and investment.

Regarding investment, she clarified that investment cooperation between Indonesia and Kuwait is moving in a positive direction. She noted that Kuwaiti investments are primarily concentrated in the oil and gas sectors, particularly through the Kuwait Petroleum Exploration Company (KUPPEC). She announced that Kuwaiti investments in non-oil and non-gas sectors in Indonesia reached approximately $1.2 million in 2025, an increase of $200,000 compared to the $1 million recorded in 2024. Kuwaiti foreign direct investment in Indonesia grew by 20.26% compared to the previous year.

She indicated that Kuwait ranked 87th among investing countries in Indonesia in 2024, dropping to 90th in 2025. However, she affirmed that both countries continue to work on enhancing investment cooperation by concluding a bilateral investment agreement. She expressed confidence that Kuwaiti investments in Indonesia will continue to grow in the coming years, given the available investment opportunities and the significant potential offered by the Indonesian economy.

She expressed her appreciation for the visit of 10 distinguished Kuwaiti students to Indonesia from January 16 to 22, 2026, sponsored by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. During the visit, they toured several vital projects in various parts of Indonesia that the Fund has helped finance since 1960.

She affirmed that Indonesia looks optimistically at the continuation and growth of Kuwaiti-Indonesian cooperation in the fields of culture and heritage preservation. She expressed her country’s desire to enhance cooperation in culture and education, highlighting Indonesia’s openness to providing more opportunities for Kuwaitis to learn about its culture and heritage through programs offered by the Indonesian government. She also noted that four Indonesian students are currently studying in Kuwait on full scholarships provided by the Kuwaiti government.

In the tourism sector, the Ambassador pointed to the continued rise in the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Indonesia, noting that the number reached 5,166 in 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024.

Regarding the Indonesian community, Mariana stated that Kuwait, with its important economic status, has become home to many nationalities, including more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens, some of whom have spent most of their lives in Kuwait.