RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Kuwait are strengthening their long-standing partnership with renewed focus on energy security and economic cooperation, as both nations seek stability amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

The bilateral relationship, which has spanned more than five decades, continues to show positive momentum. In 2025, total trade rose 10.69 percent to USD 606 million, up from USD 547.5 million in 2024.

Kuwait’s investment in Indonesia also grew significantly, climbing from USD 290,000 in 2024 to USD 1.2 million in 2025, largely in the oil and gas sector.

“Indonesia and Kuwait share a strong diplomatic foundation, which is vital for expanding bilateral cooperation," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said during a meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador Khalid Jassim Alyassin in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as quoted the ministry's official website.

"Both countries are committed to working together on energy resilience amid global uncertainty,” Minister Airlangga added.

This was their second meeting following Ambassador Khalid’s presentation of credentials to President Prabowo Subianto in November 2025. Discussions centered on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) is already engaged in eight oil and gas exploration projects in Indonesia, including Buton Island, the Natuna Sea, and East Kalimantan. Its consortium, KUFPEC Indonesia BV, is also active in Anambas.

Energy cooperation between the two countries has been formalized through a 2019 MoU on oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Beyond energy, Indonesia and Kuwait have signed several agreements, including a Joint Commission MoU, an Economic and Technical Cooperation MoU (2007), and a Trade Cooperation MoU (2007).

“These agreements reflect Indonesia’s significant role for Kuwait, particularly in the economic sector,” Ambassador Khalid noted.

Both sides pledged to ensure effective implementation of these MoUs to maximize benefits for energy resilience and bilateral ties. They also agreed to accelerate negotiations on the Indonesia-GCC Free Trade Agreement, with completion targeted by the end of 2026. ***