Ambassador Lina Mariana: Kuwaiti investment in Indonesia rises by 20%
Ministerial committee and consultations in November
Indonesian Ambassador Lina Mariana confirmed that relations between Indonesia and Kuwait are witnessing continuous growth across political, economic, investment, and cultural levels. She noted the two countries’ aspiration to hold their second Joint Ministerial Committee meeting and their first political consultations in November, alongside finalizing arrangements to host the first Indonesia-Kuwait Energy Forum in Indonesia.
Speaking to the press on the occasion of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, which falls on August 17, she stated that bilateral trade volume rose from $547.5 million in 2024 to $606 million in 2025. At the same time, she emphasized that current trade levels remain below the potential available between the two countries. She pointed out that Indonesian exports to Kuwait reached $193 million in 2025, while imports from Kuwait amounted to $412.5 million. Kuwait ranks 66th among Indonesian export destinations and 42nd among its import sources. She expressed hope for continued growth in Indonesia-Kuwait trade at an annual rate of no less than 10 percent, leading to a more balanced trade balance, as well as the completion of free trade agreement negotiations between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries this year.
Regarding investment, she confirmed that investment cooperation between Kuwait and Indonesia is showing a positive trend, noting that Kuwaiti investments are primarily concentrated in the oil and gas sector, particularly through the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC).
She noted that Kuwaiti foreign direct investment in Indonesia increased by 20.26 percent compared to 2024, adding that both countries are continuing to enhance investment cooperation and working to conclude a bilateral investment treaty. On tourism, she explained that the number of tourists arriving from Kuwait to Indonesia has grown in recent years, reaching 5,166 in 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024, 4,692 in 2023, and 2,216 in 2022. By May 2026, the number had reached approximately 691 tourists.
In the cultural and educational fields, she expressed Indonesia’s desire to expand cooperation with Kuwait, commending the scholarships provided for undergraduate studies and Arabic language programs. She expressed hope for their continuation and an increase in the number of beneficiaries in the coming years.
She also praised Kuwait’s role in humanitarian and relief efforts worldwide, highlighting the contribution of Kuwaiti charitable organizations in establishing and operating several schools in rural areas of Indonesia. She stressed the importance of developing and expanding this cooperation to include larger segments of those in need.
Regarding the expatriate community, she stated that Kuwait hosts more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens, most of whom work in the health, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.
