ShareKUWAIT: With approximately 7,000 Indonesians residing in Kuwait, Indonesian Ambassador Lina Marianna noted that many have called Kuwait home for over 15 years, contributing diligently to sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and oil and gas. At an event titled “Indonesia Spice Up the World” held at the Indonesian official residence this week, Kuwait Times spoke with the ambassador about the strong people-to-people connection between Indonesia and Kuwait. She mentioned that the Visa-on-arrival policy has made travel easier, with 1,900 Kuwaitis visiting Indonesia in the first half of this year; Bali remains a favorite destination for Kuwaiti tourists.
Beside tourism, Indonesia is focused on strengthening trade relations with Kuwait. The ambassador highlighted several upcoming events, including an investment forum to be held on November 7 and a series of exhibitions promoting Indonesian products in October. “We invite all traders and investors from Kuwait to participate in these events,” she said, adding that Indonesia offers a range of affordable products in high demand in Kuwait, such as bukhoor and coal.
Touching on cultural and social connections between the two countries, Marianna also shared common values of respect, support, and cooperation between the two countries. She referred to the Indonesian concept of “Gotong Royong,” that’s particularly reflected in Kuwait, which promotes sharing burdens and helping one another, fostering trust and lasting friendships. Ambassador Marianna likened this to Kuwait’s strong sense of charity and community support, evident in initiatives like building orphanages and mosques, as well as other projects in Indonesia, such as Sheikh Jaber Ahmad Village. She described Kuwait as “a very generous community.”
Regarding the Indonesian culinary diversity showcased at the event, Marianna highlighted the growing popularity of Indonesian cuisine in Kuwait. Dishes like Gado Gado, a vegetable salad with peanut sauce, have become favorites among Kuwaitis. “It includes ingredients familiar to Kuwaitis like cabbage and potatoes, but the peanut sauce is what makes it special,” she explained. She also mentioned other Indonesian dishes, such as chicken skewers, which are similar to kebab but with a unique flavor, and beef rendang, a rich and spicy dish. “It’s very spicy, but also very delicious,” she said.
