KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuwait hosted a reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day, attended by high-ranking officials, diplomats and members of the Indonesian community in Kuwait. The event was graced by Dr Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan, Minister of Public Works, as Guest of Honor.
In her address, Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana underscored the strong and growing ties between Indonesia and Kuwait, particularly as the two nations celebrate 57 years of diplomatic relations, officially established on February 28, 1968. “Since the establishment of our relations, cooperation between Indonesia and Kuwait has shown encouraging progress across bilateral, regional, and international platforms,” the Ambassador stated.
“Energy remains a key sector, and we are expanding our collaboration to include renewable energy, food security, and investment.” She noted that Indonesia possesses vast renewable energy potential of 3,700 gigawatts, though only a fraction has been utilized. “We encourage two-way investment — Kuwaiti investment in Indonesia and Indonesian investment in Kuwait — in strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, and food production,” she said, emphasizing the shared commitment to sustainable development and economic resilience.
The Ambassador also highlighted opportunities to enhance educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, including programs for students, educators, and cultural institutions. “Strengthening people-to-people connections is essential to building a deeper, long-term partnership,” she affirmed.
Kuwait is home to more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens working in diverse sectors such as healthcare, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing. The Ambassador praised Kuwait’s continued cooperation under the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding on Manpower, which ensures protection and welfare for Indonesian workers. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of the government of Kuwait in supporting the Indonesian Government’s mission to safeguard our citizens,” she said, encouraging Indonesians in Kuwait to “respect and comply with all laws and regulations of the State of Kuwait.”
Reflecting on Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment and mutual respect, the Ambassador reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to global peace, citing President Prabowo Subianto’s participation in the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025. “Indonesia remains steadfast in promoting peace and justice for all nations, including our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” she affirmed.
The event also paid tribute to President Prabowo Subianto, who celebrates his 74th birthday this month, and to the achievements of his first year in office under the ‘Red and White Cabinet (Kabinet Merah Putih)’. The Ambassador outlined Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, which serves as the foundation for the nation’s long-term vision of “Golden Indonesia 2045”, focusing on poverty reduction, human resource development, and sustainable growth.
