Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait Lena Mariana

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Kuwait Lena Mariana confirmed that relations between her country and the State of Kuwait are witnessing rapid development; especially after the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indonesian Supreme Court and the Kuwaiti Constitutional Court in 2023, and the subsequent exchange of high-level visits.

During a press conference marking the 80th anniversary of her country’s independence, Mariana revealed that preparations are underway to hold the first joint political consultations between the two countries in Jakarta before the end of this year. She also stated that the volume of trade exchange reached about $547.5 million in 2024 -- a remarkable increase compared to that of 2020; while the first half of 2025 recorded an 18 percent growth compared to the same period last year. She said Kuwait ranks 87th among foreign investors in Indonesia, while affirming the ongoing negotiations regarding a free trade agreement between her country and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. She pointed out that cooperation is not limited to the economic sector, as it extends to cultural and educational fields; welcoming an increase in scholarships and the exchange of academic and language programs.

On tourism, she disclosed that about 5,090 Kuwaitis visited Indonesia in 2024; hoping this number doubles in the coming years. She praised the vital role of Kuwait in supporting humanitarian projects in Indonesia through its charitable institutions; citing the inauguration of the Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Complex in Garut, West Java last year. She added more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens are currently living in Kuwait; working in various sectors such as healthcare, oil and gas, hospitality, education and industry.

She emphasized that the Indonesian Embassy closely works with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure ethical employment practices and the protection of workers’ rights. On the occasion, she said Indonesia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its independence on Sunday, with the theme, “United in Sovereignty... Prosperous People... Advanced Indonesia.” She stated that this theme refl ects the aspirations of the Indonesian people for unity and progress.

The celebration coincides with the first year in office for President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who launched the National Development Plan (2025- 2029) as the first phase toward realizing the ‘Golden Indonesia 2045’ vision – an ambitious plan aimed at reducing poverty, developing human capital, and achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. On the economic front, the ambassador revealed that Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.12 percent in the second quarter of 2025; driven largely by investment and consumer spending.

She highlighted the government’s launch of its new sovereign wealth fund, ‘Dhanantara’, in February; which manages assets valued at $1 trillion and presents vast investment opportunities in different sectors like metals, energy, digital technology, healthcare and agriculture. She encouraged Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of these opportunities. Regarding foreign policy, she reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and non-alignment, in line with its Constitution; and stressed the importance of building a multipolar world order based on justice and respect for national sovereignty.

She concluded by expressing her confidence that the wise leadership of Kuwait – under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah – will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in ways that serve the mutual interests of both friendly nations. Following is a summary of vital aspects of Kuwaiti-Indonesian cooperation:

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff