Ambassador Mariana: Kuwait-Indonesia Joint Committee to convene in November
On the occasion of Independence Day, promising opportunities for cooperation between the two countries were highlighted.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lina Mariana, affirmed that Indonesian-Kuwaiti relations continue to grow and develop across various fields, marking 58 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. She announced the holding of the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in late November next year, alongside finalizing arrangements to host the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia.
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This was stated in a speech delivered during a reception hosted by the embassy to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Indonesian Independence, attended by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Makhzoum, along with several ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, dignitaries, and invitees.
She expressed her appreciation for Al-Makhzoum’s participation, emphasizing that his presence reflects the strength of relations between Indonesia and Kuwait and encourages further enhancement of cooperation between the two nations.
She noted that the Indonesian government has chosen the theme for this year’s Independence Day: “Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” pointing out that diplomatic relations between the two countries, established on February 28, 1968, have seen continuous growth at various levels.
She stated that the two countries continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation across different sectors, driven by high-level official visits and the signing of several agreements, including the agreement establishing the Joint Committee.
She added that both sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of signed memorandums of understanding, hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in late November 2026, and finalize plans for the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia.
Regarding trade, Mariana affirmed her country’s aspiration for trade volume with Kuwait to grow by at least 10 percent annually and to achieve a more balanced trade balance. She expressed hope that negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries would be completed in 2026.
She clarified that Kuwaiti investments in non-oil and gas sectors in Indonesia reached $1.2 million in 2025, compared to $1 million in 2024, while Kuwaiti foreign direct investment recorded a growth rate of 20.26 percent.
She noted that Kuwait ranked 90th among sources of foreign direct investment in Indonesia in 2025, down from 87th in 2024, adding that efforts are underway to establish a bilateral investment agreement to enhance investment cooperation between the two countries.
On the educational front, she commended Kuwaiti scholarships provided to Indonesian students for undergraduate studies and Arabic language programs. She explained that four students are currently studying on full scholarships from the Kuwaiti government, with her country hoping for the continuation and expansion of these scholarships. Regarding tourism, Mariana pointed out an increase in the number of tourists from Kuwait visiting Indonesia, reaching 5,166 tourists by the end of 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024. She clarified that Kuwait hosts more than 6,000 Indonesians, some of whom have spent most of their lives in the country, working in the health, oil, gas, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. She affirmed her country’s encouragement of bringing skilled and specialized labor to work in Kuwait.
