Indonesian Ambassador: Sports and Arts Festival Strengthens Cohesion of the Kuwaiti Community
- 500 participants in the second edition of the festival and its events, distributed across several areas of Kuwait
- 6,000 Indonesians reside in Kuwait and work in vital sectors
- 23 teams and groups compete in 15 sports and arts categories
Lina Mariana, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait, emphasized the importance of the Sports and Arts Festival for the Indonesian community in Kuwait, describing it as an occasion that brings community members together and strengthens their spirit of participation, communication, and cohesion. She noted that members of the community form an active part of society and work in several vital sectors in the country.
This statement was made during the opening of the second edition of the Indonesian Sports and Arts Festival (PORSENI) 2026, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in collaboration with the Indonesian Diaspora Network in Kuwait, in celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic’s independence. The event continues until the 25th of the current month, with the participation of approximately 500 athletes from the community.
Mariana stated that the number of Indonesian residents exceeds 6,000, some of whom have spent most of their lives in the country, and that they work in various sectors including health, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing.
She expressed the Indonesian government’s appreciation for the efforts made by the Kuwaiti government to support and protect Indonesian citizens residing in the country, ensuring they receive appropriate care and protection, while commending the attention and cooperation extended to members of the community.
The festival events kicked off at the Al Sahl Sports Center in Abu Halifa, with a large turnout from the Indonesian community. The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 600 people, in a festive atmosphere that reflected cultural diversity and the spirit of solidarity and communication among community members.
The ceremony began with artistic dance performances by groups from the Indonesian community, followed by a report from the head of the organizing committee, a speech by the head of the “Indonesian Diaspora,” and then a speech by Ambassador Mariana, before she officially declared the opening of the second edition of the festival.
The festival features 23 teams and groups representing various Indonesian communities in Kuwait, comprising a total of approximately 500 athletes, competing in 15 categories of sports and arts competitions.
Festival activities are spread across several locations in Kuwait from the 11th to the 25th of the current month. Events have already started at the Al Sahl Sports Center in Abu Halifa, while other venues host various competitions, including the Hubara Complex in Ahmadi, the Indonesian Embassy in Daeiya, Cosmo Entertainment in Howaily, Al Qadsia Tennis Club in Hawally, “Badel Yard,” “Palazzo,” Al Jazira Al Khadra, and the Al Ahmadi Youth Badminton Court.
The festival aims to provide a space that combines sports competition, artistic creativity, and celebration of Indonesian culture, while also strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and communication among community members and consolidating social relations through shared activities and events.
