Years of Culture
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2025/04/21
This article explores the evolving Qatar-Indonesia partnership, focusing on their political alliances, economic ventures, and cultural exchanges. It will also highlight key milestones, including the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, which further reinforced the close bond between these two nations.
The political relationship between Qatar and Indonesia has long been rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. Diplomatic ties were officially established on 10th November 1976, marking the beginning of a longstanding partnership that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Both nations maintain diplomatic missions in each other's capitals, serving as pivotal conduits for diplomatic dialogue and cooperation. Led by Ambassador Ridwan Hassan, the Indonesian Embassy in Doha plays a crucial role in nurturing bilateral relations and providing consular services to nearly 25,000 Indonesian citizens in Qatar. The Qatari Embassy in Jakarta, led by Her Excellency Ambassador Fauziya Edrees Al-Sulaiti, also facilitates diplomatic engagement, visa processing, and international collaboration.
High-level visits and diplomatic exchanges have been a cornerstone of Qatar-Indonesia relations. These interactions have paved the way for numerous bilateral agreements across sectors such as air transport, tourism, and agriculture, further solidifying their strategic partnership. High-level delegations from both countries regularly meet to discuss matters of mutual interest. Regular dialogues have also enhanced defence collaboration and knowledge exchange, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
Qatar and Indonesia are key trading partners, and have each benefitted from thriving economic relations, in particular in energy, agriculture, and construction.
Bilateral trade between Qatar and Indonesia has continued to grow, with trade volume reaching approximately US$1.3 billion in 2022, covering sectors including energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Qatar has demonstrated a strong investment presence in Indonesia. Notably, Qatar Holding established a US$1 billion investment fund in Indonesia in 2010, targeting sectors like infrastructure and natural resources. Additionally, Ooredoo, a Qatari telecommunications company, holds a significant stake in Indosat, one of Indonesia's leading telecom operators.
Qatar's strategic investments in Indonesian infrastructure projects, particularly in the areas of energy and construction, have further reinforced their economic links. These ventures showcase a strong partnership that is mutually beneficial, as both countries are focused on promoting sustainable growth and creating employment opportunities.
New direct Qatar Airways routes have also enhanced connectivity, with daily flights to Jakarta and Denpasar, as well as a new route to Medan in 2023, providing greater opportunities for tourism and business collaboration.
Additionally, various business events, trade fairs and investment conferences, such as the Qatari-Indonesian Business Forum in October 2022, continue to bring Qatar and Indonesia's private sectors closer together.
The cultural connections between Qatar and Indonesia are lively and diverse, with both nations embracing opportunities for cultural exchange. These interactions span various sectors, including the arts, education, music, fashion and cuisine.
A notable aspect of their cultural relations is a collaborative approach to education, marked by educational and research partnerships, supported by recent memoranda of understanding between universities in Qatar and Indonesia.
During Qatar-Indonesia 2023, Years of Culture partnered with the Education Above All Foundation and Reach Out to Asia to organise a volunteer trip that saw 24 young adults travel to Indonesia from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST). Additionally, Years of Culture supported Indonesia’s bid to add the Spice Route to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Fashion and design have played a central role in cultivating artistic exchange between the two nations. Throughout the 2023 Year of Culture, Indonesian artists, musicians, and designers showcased their creativity in Qatar.
Initiatives such as the Cultukar Design Residencies in Sumba and Tasikmalaya provided participants the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques, while the Qatar-Indonesia Abaya Project blended Qatari and Indonesian craftsmanship, reflecting their shared appreciation for fashion and textiles. These collaborations strengthened connections between creatives from both nations, deepening cultural understanding through design.
A month-long series of Indonesian workshops in Doha also introduced participants to traditional crafts such as Batik, ceramics, and Tari Melak Dance.
Film screenings such as the DFI Indonesian Cinema Spotlight have featured cinematic works that highlight societal narratives and cultural nuances, offering a platform for Indonesian cinema to be appreciated by international audiences in Qatar.
In Jakarta, the Capturing Echoes: A Photography Journey Exhibition brought together photographers from both countries, showcasing visual stories that reflected shared themes and perspectives. These initiatives supported artistic exchange and deepened cultural understanding between Qatar and Indonesia.
The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture was a key milestone in their growing alliance. Throughout this year-long cultural exchange programme, over 50 events were held across both nations, with workshops, exhibitions, and performances reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Qatar and Indonesia.
The edition was inaugurated with a captivating performance of original show HAYATI: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love at Katara Opera House. The landmark Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar also celebrated the shared appreciation for coffee and warm hospitality that both countries are renowned for.
Culinary traditions from both countries also featured prominently throughout Qatar-Indonesia 2023. During the holy month of Ramadan, special Iftar Nights in Doha and Jakarta offered curated menus celebrating Indonesian and Qatari cuisine. Indonesian flavours also took centre stage at the Qatar International Food Festival 2023, offering visitors a taste of the country’s diverse dishes.
The cultural exchange continued at the Ubud Food Festival, where Qatari chefs, including Noof Almarri, explored Indonesia’s rich food traditions and showcased their skills through live cooking demonstrations. Chef Noof’s Spice Journey further deepened this connection as she travelled across Indonesia, learning from local food experts and immersing herself in the country’s diverse flavours. These events highlighted a shared passion for gastronomy, strengthening cultural bonds through food.
Sports have also played a significant role in the relationship between Qatar and Indonesia, with the inaugural CultuRide 2023 event bringing together athletes and cycling enthusiasts from both countries for a cycling race through the stunning landscapes of Central Java.
The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture was a remarkable success, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two countries. It not only celebrated the existing ties between the two countries but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, fostering a lasting legacy of cultural understanding.
As both countries look toward the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship in 2026, Qatar and Indonesia's vibrant political, economic, and cultural exchanges promise to bring even more exciting opportunities in the years to come.
Find out about more upcoming Years of Culture events in Qatar.
