6 days Ago By [email protected] (Gulf Times)
Qatar and Indonesia share strong historical ties across all fields, with their relationship witnessing continuous growth since its establishment nearly half a century ago. This growth is driven by the shared commitment of both nations’ leaderships to elevate their relations toward strategic partnerships and a promising future of growth and prosperity, serving the interests and aspirations of their peoples. In this context, the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Doha is significant.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with the president at the Amiri Diwan to discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance co-operation in various sectors. The visit is expected to provide a strong boost and open a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, particularly in economic, trade, and investment fields. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1976, with Qatar opening its embassy in Jakarta in 1996, and Indonesia inaugurating its embassy in Doha in 1999.
Since 1995, the two nations have engaged in numerous high-level visits and official exchanges. Notably, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited Indonesia in October 2017, where His Highness held official talks with then-president Joko Widodo at the Bogor Palace in Jakarta. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding co-operation in economy, energy, investment, tourism, and infrastructure, benefiting both nations and their peoples.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments. In another high-level visit, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Indonesia in 2009. On the other hand, former Indonesian president Joko Widodo visited Qatar in 2015, while former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Doha in May 2006.
Former president Abdurrahman Wahid visited Qatar twice, in November 1999 and again in November 2000 to attend the OIC Summit. In the context of ongoing consultations, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received the Indonesian President-elect and then-Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, along with Vice-President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and the delegation accompanying them, during their visit to Doha last May to participate in the Fourth Qatar Economic Forum. The meeting reviewed the strong bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance co-operation across various fields, alongside exchanging views on shared concerns.
In March, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono visited Doha and met with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani. The discussions focused on bilateral co-operation, developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, efforts to maintain the ceasefire, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Additionally, HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi held bilateral talks with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, addressing political, economic, investment, and developmental co-operation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Both sides emphasised the importance of co-ordination in the international and regional issues to support stability and development in the Middle East. Indonesia and Qatar share a common vision for peace, stability, and building a more prosperous, just, and secure world. Their co-operation on regional and international issues is marked by close co-ordination and alignment in perspectives.
The two nations’ joint membership in the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) provides an important framework for collaboration on matters concerning the Islamic world. Bilateral relations are governed by a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding that reflect both countries’ commitment to expanding co-operation across multiple sectors. These agreements cover political, economic, social, educational, cultural, health, tourism, technology, maritime, agricultural, industrial, media, youth, sports, banking, financial services, aviation, mutual investment protection, double taxation avoidance, labour force regulations for Indonesian workers in Qatar, and visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and special passports.
Indonesia is a key trading partner for Qatar, with bilateral trade growing by over 150% in recent years, reaching approximately QR3.2bn in 2022, compared to QR1.26bn in 2017.
Qatari investments in Indonesia have also seen remarkable growth, expanding into sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and energy. Additionally, several Indonesian companies actively invest in the Qatari market in partnership with local firms across various industries. The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture celebrated the rich heritage of both nations, strengthening their historic ties through more than 50 programmes held in Qatar and Indonesia.
These initiatives focused on creative industries, social development, innovation, and cultural heritage. Educational co-operation between Qatar and Indonesia continues to expand, with numerous agreements and partnerships aimed at enhancing student exchanges and joint research efforts. Qatar plays a significant role in supporting development and humanitarian projects in Indonesia through investments in infrastructure and aid provided by various Qatari charitable organisations.
These efforts include emergency relief for natural disasters, the construction of mosques, schools, and multi-purpose centres, well drilling for clean water access, funding income-generating projects for needy families, and supporting orphans. Meanwhile, the Indonesian community in Qatar actively contributes to the nation’s economic and social sectors. Through wise leadership, Qatar has successfully positioned itself as a preferred destination for global investments.
The country boasts an attractive investment climate supported by progressive laws and regulations, political and social stability, and a strategic geographic location. Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, is the world’s largest archipelagic state, consisting of over 17,000 islands, around 6,000 of which are inhabited. As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia spans 1.
9mn sq km and has a population of 285mn. The country serves as a bridge between Asia and Australia and is strategically positioned along key maritime trade routes, particularly the Malacca Strait. Indonesia has emerged as a rising global economy, undergoing significant expansion across multiple sectors.
The country presents a large, opportunity-filled market that attracts business interest and serves as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia. Its natural resources and investment opportunities span industries such as tourism, real estate development, mining, food security, halal trade, and various services. Indonesia has maintained a relatively stable economic growth rate of around 5% in recent years, with its primary trade partners including China, Asean countries, the US, Japan, and India.
Indonesia’s major exports consist of commodities such as coke coal, palm oil, iron, and steel, alongside manufactured goods like textiles, leather products, footwear, and wooden items. Imports primarily include machinery and industrial equipment, fuel, chemicals, food products, electronics, and raw materials. Related Story Late charge puts Morbidelli on top in Qatar GP practice Duhail keep title race alive with win over Arabi, Sadd beat Al Khor.
