Saudi Arabia-Indonesia to Expand Transport Partnership, Eye Maritime Investment

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are moving to deepen strategic cooperation in transport, with plans spanning aviation, maritime investment, and rail connectivity--an agenda expected to boost direct flight links and open new opportunities in the maritime sector.

The commitment was underscored during a meeting between Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser and Indonesian Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi in Jakarta on Monday, July 13, 2026, as part of Al‑Jasser’s official visit.

“This visit is an important opportunity to discuss transport and logistics cooperation between our two countries. There is significant potential to strengthen collaboration in air, sea, and rail transport,” Al‑Jasser told reporters at a reception hosted by the Saudi Embassy later that evening.

During his stay, Al‑Jasser toured Jakarta’s MRT project and was scheduled to inspect a port and airport, highlighting efforts to explore collaboration through site visits, knowledge exchange, and engagement in international organizations.

He noted that both sides had reviewed several draft memoranda of understanding covering maritime, rail, aviation, and other areas of cooperation. “The drafting process will continue so they can be signed by both parties,” he said.

Al‑Jasser also stressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in expanding air connectivity with Indonesia, including additional flight frequencies by Saudia Airlines and Riyadh Air, which are expected to begin serving Jakarta in the coming months. In the maritime sector, he expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in exploring investment opportunities, alongside expertise sharing in rail development.

Minister Purwagandhi welcomed the initiatives, describing the talks as productive and aligned with Indonesia’s openness to Saudi investment.

“This is a very positive step, and we are open to investment from the Saudi government and Saudi companies, particularly in maritime transport,” he said, noting that discussions remain at the exploratory stage, especially regarding port infrastructure.

The reception for Al‑Jasser, hosted by Saudi Ambassador Faisal Abdullah Al‑Amoudi, was attended by former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, and ambassadors from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states based in Jakarta. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)