Kuwait, Indonesia ties on growth path

Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana

Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al- Mukhaizeem, several ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, dignitaries and other guests attended the event. According to Maryana, the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee will be held at the end of November, in addition to finalizing arrangements for the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia. She expressed her appreciation for Al-Mukhaizeem’s participation in the celebration, emphasizing that his presence reflects the strength of relations between Indonesia and Kuwait, and serves as a motivation to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. She explained that the Indonesian government chose “A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia” as the theme for the Independence Day celebration this year.

She stated that the two countries continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors to protect mutual interests. She added that bilateral relations witnessed reciprocal visits by high-level officials, along with the signing of several cooperation agreements, including the agreement to establish a joint committee. She revealed that both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the signed memoranda of understanding on different fields, citing an agreement to hold the second session of the Joint Ministerial Committee at the end of November 2026, as well as finalizing plans for the first Indonesian-Kuwaiti Energy Forum in Indonesia.

She confirmed that her country continues to aspire for continuous rise of trade volume between Indonesia and Kuwait -- at least 10 percent annually, while working towards a more balanced trade relationship. She expressed hope that negotiations for a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be completed within this year.

She disclosed that Kuwaiti investments in Indonesia’s non-oil and gas sectors reached around $1.2 million in 2025 -- an increase of $200,000 compared to $1 million in 2024. She added that Kuwaiti foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia rose by 20.26 percent compared to 2024, and Kuwait ranked 87th among sources of FDI in Indonesia in 2024 and 90th in 2025. She also expressed her country’s appreciation for the Kuwaiti scholarships offered at the undergraduate level and in Arabic language programs, hoping that these scholarships will continue and that the number of beneficiaries will increase. She said four Indonesians are currently studying on full scholarship provided by the Kuwaiti government.

She went on to say that the number of tourists arriving in Indonesia from Kuwait reached 5,166 by the end of 2025, compared to 5,090 in 2024. She stressed that Kuwait is home to more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens, some of whom have spent most of their lives in the country, working in the health, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. She said the Indonesian government encourages the recruitment of skilled and specialized workers from her country.