Indonesian Ambassador: 250 Nursing Staff to the Health Sector
She revealed that the number has doubled to 500, comprising both men and women, out of a total of 6,000 workers from her country.
The Indonesian Embassy, in cooperation with the Indonesian Nurses Association in Kuwait, organized a blood donation drive yesterday as part of its humanitarian and community initiatives, with participation from members of the Indonesian community and nursing staff working in the country.
Indonesian Ambassador Lina Mariana emphasized that the blood donation initiative, organized by the embassy at the Late Sheikhah Salwa Al-Sabah Center for Stem Cells and Cord Blood, represents a message of solidarity and love from Indonesia and its diaspora to Kuwait and its people. It embodies the depth of relations between the two countries and the Indonesian community’s commitment to being an active part of Kuwaiti society.
Mariana stated in a press interview that the blood donation drive is held annually in conjunction with Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations. She noted that this marks the fifth such campaign organized since her arrival in Kuwait approximately five years ago.
She clarified that the drive is conducted in collaboration with the Indonesian Nurses Association in Kuwait, highlighting it as one of the humanitarian initiatives the embassy is keen to organize. She affirmed that blood donation is an “important humanitarian act” because it assists those in dire need of blood.
She added that around 100 members of the Indonesian community participated in the drive, noting that the significance of the initiative is measured not only by the number of participants but also by the humanitarian and solidarity message it conveys.
Responding to a question regarding the diplomatic dimension of the initiative, Ambassador Mariana described blood donation as part of Indonesia’s “soft diplomacy,” explaining that the goal is to express the solidarity of the Indonesian government and people with Kuwait and its people.
She said the initiative reflects a clear message that “Indonesia and Kuwait stand together on every occasion and under all circumstances,” particularly given the global and regional conditions the region has witnessed over recent months.
She affirmed that Indonesia is keen to stand by Kuwait through initiatives that can provide direct benefits to society, noting that contributing to providing blood for patients and those in need represents one of the simplest and most humanitarian forms of solidarity.
She continued, stating that the step reflects Indonesia’s commitment to translating its relations with Kuwait from the level of official cooperation into practical initiatives that impact people’s lives, underscoring that Kuwaiti-Indonesian relations are also built on human and people-to-people communication and social solidarity.
Regarding Indonesian nursing staff in Kuwait, the Ambassador revealed that new batches of Indonesian nurses have arrived in the country, noting that approximately 250 new staff members recently joined the health sector.
She explained that the total number of Indonesian nurses in Kuwait is currently approaching 500, while the number of Indonesian workers in the country stands at around 6,000. She expressed her expectation that more Indonesian staff will arrive in Kuwait in the coming period.
The Ambassador praised the role played by Indonesian nurses in Kuwait, affirming that their participation in the blood donation drive exemplifies another aspect of their contribution to society, alongside their professional role in the health sector.
Mariana clarified that the blood donation campaign stands as a practical model of what resident communities in Kuwait can offer the host society, while also reflecting Indonesia’s appreciation for Kuwait and its commitment to strengthening the human bonds between the two peoples. She noted that the initiative holds particular significance as it is held annually in conjunction with an Indonesian national occasion, thereby transforming the celebration of Independence Day into an opportunity to engage with the Kuwaiti community and make a direct humanitarian contribution. The step further underscores that Kuwait–Indonesia relations extend beyond political and economic frameworks into the realms of humanitarian and community service. She emphasized that the Indonesian community, particularly its health professionals, is keen to reciprocate Kuwait’s kindness by serving society and participating in humanitarian initiatives.
Ambassador Mariana expressed her appreciation for all those who participated in the campaign, voicing her hope that such initiatives will continue and expand, serving as a new bridge for communication between the Kuwaiti and Indonesian peoples, and as a practical demonstration that humanitarian solidarity can enhance friendship between nations and societies.
