Lina Mariana: Kuwait Ranks 90th Among Foreign Investors in Indonesia
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait, Lina Mariana, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Indonesian relations are witnessing continuous growth across various levels, noting that the two countries are celebrating this year the 58th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, which were founded on February 28, 1968.
This came during a speech delivered by the Ambassador at a diplomatic reception hosted to mark the 81st anniversary of Indonesian Independence, attended by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Muxaim, along with a number of ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and guests.
The Ambassador began her speech by calling for a minute of silence to mourn the victims of the recent earthquake in Indonesia, expressing her deepest condolences to the victims' families and affected communities. She stated that the theme for this year’s 81st Independence Anniversary is “Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” emphasizing that relations between Kuwait and Indonesia have steadily evolved at bilateral, regional, and international levels.
Joint Ministerial Committee
Mariana clarified that the two countries are working to enhance cooperation through high-level reciprocal visits, alongside the signing of several cooperation agreements, including the agreement establishing the Joint Committee. She noted the agreement to hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee in late November next year.
She revealed that the two countries are also finalizing arrangements to hold the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia, stressing the importance of intensifying reciprocal visits between both sides to contribute to pushing bilateral cooperation to broader levels.
Trade and Investment Growth
In the commercial field, the Ambassador predicted continued growth in trade exchange between Kuwait and Indonesia, targeting an annual growth rate of no less than 10 percent, while working to make the trade balance more equitable. She expressed hope that negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Indonesia would be completed during 2026.
Regarding the investment sector, she pointed out that investment cooperation between the two countries is showing a positive trend, noting that Kuwaiti investments in Indonesia are primarily concentrated in the oil and gas sector, particularly through Kuwait Oil Exploration Company (KOOPEC). She added that Kuwaiti investments in non-oil and gas sectors in Indonesia reached approximately $1.2 million in 2025, compared to $1 million in 2024, an increase of $200,000. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti foreign direct investment in Indonesia rose by 20.26 percent compared to 2024.
She explained that approximately $1.13 million of investments were directed to Jakarta, while around $300,000 was invested in Bali in the fields of real estate development and industrial zone development. She noted that Kuwait ranked 87th among foreign investors in Indonesia in 2024, then dropped to 90th in 2025, expressing confidence that Kuwaiti investments will continue to grow in the coming years.
Education and Culture
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in education and culture through the exchange of visits between students and educational staff, and by strengthening communication between the two peoples. She praised the visit of 12 outstanding Kuwaiti students to Indonesia from January 16 to 22, 2026, sponsored by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, during which they inspected several vital projects in different regions of Indonesia, which the Fund has been financing since 1960.
She expressed optimism about the continuation of Kuwaiti-Indonesian cooperation in preserving culture and heritage, stressing her country’s desire to expand cooperation in the fields of culture and education. She noted that Indonesia offers Kuwaitis opportunities to learn more deeply about its culture through various government programs.
The Ambassador appreciated Kuwaiti support in the educational field, particularly scholarships and Arabic language teaching programs, expressing hope for the continuation and expansion of these programs and the number of beneficiaries in the coming years. She pointed out that four Indonesian students are currently studying on full scholarships from the Kuwaiti government.
Kuwaiti Tourists
In the tourism sector, Mariana stated that the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Indonesia is rising, reaching 5,166 tourists by the end of 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024. She expressed her hope for the continued growth of tourism flows between the two countries and the enhancement of people-to-people ties, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations.
Humanitarian Role
The Ambassador praised the role Kuwait plays in supporting humanitarian and relief efforts worldwide, noting that several schools in rural areas of Indonesia were built with the assistance of Kuwaiti charitable and social associations and are currently operating well. She affirmed that this support reflects the deep human ties between the Kuwaiti and Indonesian peoples and constitutes one aspect of cooperation that extends beyond official relations to direct communication between societies.
6,000 Indonesians
Mariana noted that Kuwait, as one of the wealthy nations in the world, has become home to many nationalities, pointing out the presence of more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens in Kuwait, some of whom have spent most of their lives in the country. She explained that members of the Indonesian community work in various sectors, including health, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing, emphasizing that the Indonesian government encourages the increased employment of skilled Indonesian labor in Kuwait.
She expressed the Indonesian government’s appreciation for the efforts made by the Kuwaiti government to support and protect Indonesian citizens and ensure they receive appropriate protection and care.
Appreciation for the Indonesian Community and Institutions
In conclusion of her speech, Ambassador Lina Mariana extended her thanks and appreciation to the members of the Indonesian community in Kuwait, the Indonesian Diaspora Forum in Kuwait, the Special Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama Association (PCINU), the Special Branch of Muhammadiyah Association (PCIM), the Indonesian National Nurses Association in Kuwait (PPNI Kuwait), the Banjar Bali Kuwait Group (BBK), and the Indonesian Christian Fellowship in Kuwait (ICFK).
She also thanked all embassy staff for their continuous efforts in ensuring the success of the occasion.
The Ambassador concluded her speech by praying that God grants everyone health and success, and that Indonesia and Kuwait achieve further progress and prosperity, affirming that relations between the two countries are based on a solid record of cooperation and friendship, and are heading toward broader horizons in various fields.
