Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In a world where diplomacy and international partnerships are paramount, the relationship between countries serves as the backbone of global progress. Among the many such partnerships, the bond between Indonesia and Qatar stands as a testament to the strength that can be achieved through cooperation, understanding, and shared goals.
On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, Qatar Tribune delved into the insights of the Ambassador HE Ridwan Hassan, shedding light on the dynamic Qatar-Indonesia relationship.
This exclusive interview revealed the intricate threads that weave the fabric of this enduring friendship, touching on a wide spectrum of topics that collectively form the foundation of this robust relationship.
Discussing the deep-rooted and multifaceted bilateral ties, the interview covered a wide array of topics, ranging from economic cooperation to cultural exchanges, underlining the shared commitment of both countries to fostering mutual growth and understanding.
Ambassador Ridwan Hassan highlighted the significance of economic collaboration between the two countries. With Qatar’s advanced infrastructure and Indonesia’s vast human resources, the potential for trade and investment has proven to be promising.
The ambassador emphasised that both countries are exploring avenues to strengthen trade ties further, tapping into Qatar’s expertise in energy and Indonesia’s potential in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Cultural exchanges have played a pivotal role in nurturing understanding and friendship between Indonesia and Qatar. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan expressed his appreciation of Qatar’s efforts in promoting Indonesian culture, pointing out that Indonesia continues to showcase its rich heritage through events, art exhibitions, and traditional performances.
Such cultural diplomacy initiatives are essential for fostering people-to-people connections and a deeper appreciation for each nation’s history and values.
He highlighted the growing collaboration in education and innovation. Qatar’s advancements in technology and Indonesia’s young and skilled workforce have created opportunities for knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and joint innovation projects. Both countries are working to enhance academic ties, enabling students and researchers to benefit from each other’s expertise.
The conversation also touched on the alignment of Indonesia and Qatar’s views on regional and global matters. Ambassador Hassan emphasised that the two countries share similar perspectives on regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and sustainable development. This unity of vision contributes to their strong partnership in international forums and organisations.
Highlighting the Qatar-Indonesia historical ties, HE the Indonesian ambassador said: “From a historical point of view, the relationship between Qatar and Indonesia diplomatically started in 1976. Qatar opened its embassy in Jakarta in 1997, and in 1999, Indonesia opened its embassy in Doha.”
“Since that time, the cooperative relationship between the two countries has been increasing, in fields ranging from the political ties and economic cooperation to cultural, social and people-to-people contact,” he added.
“As for the milestones in the bilateral relationship, there have been exchanges of visits not only at the working level but also at the leadership level.”
“We have very good cooperation, with a lot of memoranda of understanding between the two countries, as well as many agreements. This cooperation is not limited to bilateral matters only but extends to supporting third countries or addressing world problems. This was especially evident when Qatar hosted the Afghan peace process,” he highlighted.
He reiterated, “The peace process started in 2020, and Indonesia was one of the countries that supported the group, along with Germany, Norway, and Uzbekistan.”
“This process demonstrates how Indonesia collaborates with others, not just for its own interests or benefits, but also to contribute to world order and peace,” he said.
He stated, “I believe some parties share my concerns. Our economic cooperation is growing in principle, yes, but the path to reach a higher level is extensive.”
“For example, in terms of trade, our trade volume is still below the pre-pandemic level. COVID-19 has altered the numbers and the volume of activities. The trade volume in 2020 and 2021 was significantly lower compared to previous years. However, Alhamdulillah, we are observing an increase in the numbers for 2022, and they are even better in 2023. We expect these numbers to continue rising.”
He emphasised, “The contact between the two business communities is not restricted to state-owned companies but also includes the private sector. Indonesia is a vast country with islands, so connectivity infrastructure is vital for us.”
“Apart from natural resources, building infrastructure is also crucial. For the people of Indonesia, I believe the number of individuals in the middle and upper classes is growing. The domestic market is substantial, not only in terms of numbers, but also in terms of capacity and purchasing power,” he continued.
“Indonesia is aware of the need of having industries in line with the new global trends. For example, green energy and electric vehicles are crucial for Indonesia. We have the support for that industry, including the market, battery production, materials, and mining.”
“In this regard, Qatar can participate in shared investments in Indonesia. This doesn’t necessarily mean Qatar investing alone, but also collaborating with other companies and countries.”
“One of the pivotal aspects of diplomacy is people. When we think about people, culture comes up as something inherent to them,” he commented, adding, “The two countries are different but share similarities in many ways. Perhaps the size is significantly different. Qatar is situated on one side, whereas Indonesia comprises numerous ethnic groups with diverse cultural experiences, religions, languages, and dialects.”
“For Qatar, diversity exists, with people here from various parts of the world, each bringing their culture and language.”
“I have been in the diplomatic service for over 30 years. Diplomacy is akin to media; they consistently work together,” he added.
He said, “Media is our key partner and a tool for conveying messages. Media, including social media, has played a significant role in diplomacy over the years.”
He affirmed, “I arrived here in November 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. I observed similarities between Qatar and Indonesia in managing the pandemic and preparing exit strategies. We saw the results in trade, and economic activities resumed across all sectors.”
“We always participate in Qatari activities. On the flip side, Indonesia has organised numerous trade and economic events, the largest being the yearly Trade Expo—the biggest ever in Indonesia. We introduced it to the Qatar business community,” he continued.
He added, “Both sides utilise this platform to enhance their existing economic cooperation, spanning from trade to other economic activities.”
“We believe that as we attain stability, we grow together, and in turn, we can share benefits with the rest of the world. This is the fundamental concept behind having ASEAN as a significant regional cooperation entity. It has been proven,” he stressed.
“It’s not just a political platform; rather, it’s an Asian family. Hence, people-to-people movement, activities, and intra-business among the ASEAN countries are also on the rise.”
“I’ve always believed that the embassy plays a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. We have roles for governments, business communities, and the people,” he said.
Ambassador HE Ridwan Hassan expressed optimism about the future of Indonesia-Qatar relations. He emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration, leveraging each country’s strengths to address common challenges and opportunities. The ambassador’s insights underscore the resilient nature of the bilateral ties and the commitment to elevating them to new heights.
He concluded, “I’d like to encourage our partners, people from both sides, to support all processes that can enhance bilateral relationships in various aspects—economic, social, and political.”
“This cooperation won’t happen without the blessing of our leaders. So, I’d like to express my highest appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and all the government officials and the community,” he stressed.
It is clear that the alliance between Indonesia and Qatar is not merely a diplomatic formality, but a genuine partnership that embodies the potential of nations working together for a better future.
With their commitment to growth, innovation, and understanding, Indonesia and Qatar exemplify how diplomacy, when rooted in mutual respect and shared values, can transcend borders and shape a brighter destiny for all.
