Doha, Qatar – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, met with the outgoing Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, HE Ridwan Hassan, on Monday. The meeting, held in Doha, marked the conclusion of Ambassador Hassan’s diplomatic assignment in Qatar and focused on the strengthening of Qatar Indonesia relations. The discussion centered on the ambassador’s contributions to the bilateral ties between the two nations.
The meeting took place as Ambassador Hassan prepares to depart his post, bringing to a close a period of diplomatic service dedicated to fostering cooperation between Doha and Jakarta. The Qatari Minister expressed gratitude for the ambassador’s work during his tenure, which has seen increased collaboration in areas such as energy, investment, and labor. The date of Ambassador Hassan’s departure was not publicly disclosed.
Strengthening Qatar Indonesia Relations: A Review of Hassan’s Tenure
The meeting between the Minister and the Ambassador underscores the importance Qatar places on its relationship with Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia is a key partner for Qatar in Southeast Asia, and the two countries share common interests in regional stability and economic development. This diplomatic exchange is a standard practice when ambassadors conclude their assignments, allowing for a formal expression of appreciation and a review of accomplishments.
Economic and Investment Ties
Over the past several years, economic cooperation between Qatar and Indonesia has grown significantly. Qatar has expressed strong interest in investing in Indonesia’s infrastructure projects, including its new capital city, Nusantara. According to data from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Qatari investment in Indonesia reached $27.8 million in the first half of 2023, primarily in the mining, transportation, and financial sectors.
Labor Agreements and Worker Welfare
A significant aspect of the Qatar Indonesia partnership involves labor migration. Many Indonesian citizens work in Qatar, particularly in the construction and domestic service sectors. Recent years have seen both countries working to improve worker welfare and ensure fair labor practices, including the signing of bilateral agreements to protect Indonesian migrant workers. These agreements aim to address issues such as recruitment fees, working conditions, and access to legal recourse.
However, challenges remain in ensuring full compliance with labor standards. Reports from human rights organizations continue to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of migrant workers in the Gulf region, including Qatar. The Qatari government has implemented reforms, but ongoing monitoring and enforcement are crucial.
Political and Cultural Exchange
Beyond economic and labor ties, Qatar and Indonesia maintain a robust political dialogue. High-level visits between officials from both countries are frequent, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on issues of mutual concern, including counter-terrorism and regional security. Additionally, cultural exchange programs promote understanding and people-to-people connections.
The relationship between Qatar and Indonesia also extends to energy cooperation. QatarEnergy has been exploring opportunities to invest in Indonesia’s energy sector, including potential partnerships in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. Indonesia, meanwhile, is seeking to diversify its energy sources and attract foreign investment to boost its energy infrastructure. This collaboration is particularly relevant given the global focus on energy security and the transition to cleaner energy sources.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar routinely acknowledges the contributions of departing ambassadors, signaling a consistent approach to diplomatic protocol. This practice reinforces Qatar’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its international partners. The outgoing ambassador’s work has been instrumental in navigating complex issues and fostering a more collaborative environment between the two nations.
Looking ahead, Qatar will likely appoint a new ambassador to Indonesia in the coming weeks. The selection process and subsequent appointment will be closely watched by both countries as they seek to maintain the momentum of their growing partnership. Further developments in investment agreements and labor reforms will also be key indicators of the future of bilateral ties. The ongoing geopolitical landscape and evolving economic conditions will undoubtedly shape the direction of Qatar’s foreign policy towards Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asian region.
The next steps involve the Indonesian government naming a replacement for Ambassador Hassan, and the formal presentation of credentials to the Emir of Qatar. The timeline for these events remains uncertain, but is expected within the standard diplomatic timeframe.
Source
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Indonesia Government Website
