Indonesian envoy invites Kuwaiti investment; trade steadily grows
KUWAIT: Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana praised the progress in Indonesia–Kuwait cooperation across politics, trade, investment, culture, and humanitarian efforts. Speaking to media ahead of her country's 80th Independence Day, she highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which amounted to $547.5 million in 2024. Maryana also pointed to Kuwait's participation in negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the GCC.
'Indonesia deeply values the strong leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Government of Kuwait. Together, we are confident that our partnership will continue to grow, bringing prosperity and welfare to both nations,' the ambassador said.
Growing workforce
The ambassador underlined the growing demand for Indonesian workers in Kuwait. 'On average, around 4,000 job orders are submitted to our Embassy each year. We are ready to send more skilled and professional workers across various fields,' she said. She also confirmed that the deployment of Indonesian nurses to Kuwait is expected soon through government-to-government cooperation. 'It is coming, inshallah, very soon. The Ministry of Health is now directly recruiting nurses from Indonesia,' she said.
In addition to the health sector, Indonesian workers contribute to various fields in Kuwait. In recent months, 37 Indonesian engineers have joined Kuwait's workforce, she said. 'Kuwait is also home to over 6,000 Indonesian citizens, many of whom contribute to healthcare, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. The Indonesian Embassy continues to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to promote fair labor practices and strengthen worker protection,' she added.
Maryana emphasized her country's desire to strengthen its partnership with Kuwait in humanitarian projects across Indonesia. 'Several schools and development programs in rural areas were established with support from Kuwaiti charity organizations. We believe this cooperation can be further strengthened to benefit those in need, ' she said.
An invitation to invest
Maryana confirmed discussions with Kuwait Airways to resume direct flights to Jakarta, saying: 'Kuwait Airways used to fly directly to Jakarta until 2015. Last year, both sides agreed to increase flights from four times a week to daily, but with the cabinet change in Indonesia, negotiations need to restart. We hope to finalize this soon.'
Regarding tourism, she said: 'By the end of 2024, around 5,090 Kuwaitis visited Indonesia. In just the first half of 2025, 581 Kuwaiti tourists had already traveled to our country.' Upcoming visits are also planned, she said. 'In October, a delegation from Jambi Province, Sumatra, including business leaders, is expected in Kuwait,' said Maryana.
She also underlined the significance of Indonesia's newly launched sovereign wealth fund, Danantara (Daya Anaga Nusantara Indonesia), which manages $1 trillion in assets. 'Indonesia warmly invites Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in our priority sectors — minerals, energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, industrial estates, and agriculture,' she added.
On Indonesia's capabilities, the ambassador pointed to the country's advanced industries, including aircraft manufacturing, defense production, and vaccine development. 'Our state-owned companies produce military vehicles, helicopters, ammunition, ships, and even submarines. During the pandemic, we developed our vaccine to serve our 280 million people,' she explained.
The ambassador highlighted Indonesia's progress in democracy and gender representation: 'Our National Assembly now has 580 members, and we have introduced a quota system that ensures 30 percent women's representation.'
This year also marks the first year of the Red and White Cabinet led by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The Indonesian government has launched its 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, the first stage of the long-term agenda Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia), focusing on poverty reduction, human resource development, and sustainable economic growth.
As Indonesia marks its 80th Independence Day on Sunday, Maryana said the embassy plans to host an 'Indonesian Night' festival to commemorate Indonesia's Independence Day, involving community cultural and sports activities.
Held under the national theme 'United Sovereignty, Prosperous People, and Advanced Indonesia', Maryana said this year's Independence Day celebration reflects the spirit of the Indonesian people to remain united. 'This theme aligns with Indonesia's grand vision and represents our determination to build a prosperous and advanced nation while preserving our national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity,' she said.
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