RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Kuwait are moving to deepen cooperation in Islamic education and human resource development, with expanded scholarship opportunities expected to give more Indonesian students access to higher education in Kuwait while strengthening bilateral religious and humanitarian ties.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Kuwait's Ambassador to Indonesia Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Minister Nasaruddin said Indonesia and Kuwait share close diplomatic, religious, and historical ties, adding that their common Islamic values provide a strong foundation for broader cooperation.

"The two countries have a very close relationship, not only formally but also spiritually and psychologically. The cooperation, therefore, should be strengthened," Minister Nassarudin said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

The minister proposed expanding cooperation in Islamic higher education by increasing the number of Indonesian students studying at universities in Kuwait. He described Kuwait as a quality alternative destination alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Jordan.

He expressed hope that more Indonesians would pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Kuwait, particularly in Sharia and Islamic studies.

"We want to encourage more Indonesian students to study in Kuwait. We also hope for scholarship support so that more Kuwaiti university alumni will contribute to Indonesia in the future," he said.

Minister Nasaruddin also proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Kuwait’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs to cover areas such as religious outreach, education, zakat management, philanthropy, and institutional capacity building.

Ambassador Al-Yassin welcomed the proposals, noting that Indonesia and Kuwait have long enjoyed strong diplomatic and religious relations.

Ambassador Al-Yassin welcomed the proposals, affirming Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and expanding scholarship opportunities.

He also noted Kuwait’s philanthropic organizations have long supported initiatives in Indonesia, including building schools, mosques, model villages, and providing aid for orphans.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen Indonesia–Kuwait relations through concrete collaboration in education, religious institutions, and humanitarian programs that benefit communities in both nations. ***