Indonesian Ambassador: We encourage increasing the recruitment of professional workers to Kuwait
The Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lina Mariana, confirmed that Kuwait-Indonesia relations are witnessing continuous growth across various levels, expressing her country’s aspiration to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy, education, and culture. This statement was made during a reception hosted to mark the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, attended by Dr. Sabah Al-Makhzoum, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, along with several ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.
The Indonesian Ambassador stated that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on February 28, 1968, and since then, cooperation has seen steady growth at bilateral, regional, and international levels. She highlighted the signing of several cooperation agreements, including the agreement to establish the Joint Committee, and noted the consensus to accelerate the implementation of memoranda of understanding signed in various fields.
She pointed out that Kuwait has become home to many nationalities, including more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens working in the health, oil and gas, hospitality, and industrial sectors. She added that the Indonesian government encourages the increased recruitment of professional labor to Kuwait.
The Ambassador announced that the two countries have agreed to hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in late November 2026, while arrangements are underway to host the first Indonesia-Kuwait Energy Forum in Indonesia. She expressed her hope for continued growth in trade between the two countries, targeting an annual increase of no less than 10 percent, while working to achieve greater balance in trade volumes.
She also mentioned her country’s desire to complete negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is expected to be finalized by 2026. Mariana emphasized that Kuwaiti investments in Indonesia are showing a positive trend, particularly in the oil and gas sector through Kuwait Oil Exploration Company (KUFPEC).
She clarified that Kuwaiti investments in non-oil sectors in Indonesia reached approximately $1.2 million in 2025, compared to $1 million in 2024, an increase of about $200,000. A significant portion of these investments is concentrated in Jakarta and Bali, particularly in real estate and industrial zone development.
Regarding direct investment, she noted that Kuwaiti foreign direct investment in Indonesia rose by 20.26 percent compared to 2024. She expressed confidence in the continued growth of Kuwaiti investments in the coming years, alongside efforts by both countries to enhance cooperation through a bilateral investment agreement.
She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in education and culture through student and teacher exchanges, and by enhancing communication between the two peoples. She praised the visit of 12 outstanding Kuwaiti students to Indonesia in January 2026, sponsored by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, where they visited several vital projects funded by the Fund in Indonesia since 1960.
◄ 5,000 Kuwaiti tourists in Indonesia in 2025
The Indonesian Ambassador revealed that the number of tourists arriving from Kuwait to Indonesia reached 5,166 in 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024, reaffirming her country’s aspiration to increase the number of Kuwaiti tourists and enhance tourism exchange between the two nations.
◄ Humanitarian support
The Indonesian Ambassador commended Kuwait’s role in supporting humanitarian and relief efforts worldwide, noting that several schools in rural areas of Indonesia have been built and are operating effectively thanks to aid provided by Kuwaiti charitable organizations.
