Jakarta – Moeldoko, Chief of Staff to the President, welcomed the newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al-Amudi, on Monday (15/5) at Bina Graha Building in Jakarta. The high-ranking officials from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions centered around strengthening cooperation in the economic, social, and political domains.
While matters related to Hajj pilgrimage took precedence, the leaders also devoted careful attention to economic issues, investments, and global peace.
“In 2019, I accompanied President Jokowi to Saudi Arabia, where we were warmly received by the King and Crown Prince. During our discussions, both leaders explored the prospects of cooperation across various sectors. Unfortunately, the progress following that meeting was hindered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared the Chief of Presidential Staff.
“I wholeheartedly agree that we must prioritize the follow-up on previously proposed initiatives. It is essential to establish a dedicated team that will work towards realizing and expediting these cooperative ideas. Indonesia boasts a vast population of approximately 270 million and stands as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. The collaboration between our two nations would undoubtedly yield remarkable results,” emphasized Moeldoko.
The bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia has thrived for nearly 70 years, with historical ties further solidified during President Soekarno’s era through his close relationship with His Majesty King Faisal, who reigned over Saudi Arabia at the time.
Under President Joko Widodo’s leadership, bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed notable strengthening. Noteworthy milestones include King Salman’s visit to Indonesia in 2017 and President Joko Widodo’s two visits to Saudi Arabia in 2015 and 2019. King Salman became the second Saudi Arabian monarch to visit Indonesia, following in the footsteps of King Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz As Saud, who made a historic visit in 1970.
In 2022, the trade balance between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached an impressive US$7 billion. However, Indonesia still faces a trade deficit of approximately US$3.4 billion. As a result, the Saudi Arabian Kingdom is encouraged to increase its import of Indonesian products, which have undergone quality enhancements to meet international standards.
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador expressed his commitment to boosting trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia during his initial three months in office. He pledged to continue these efforts throughout his tenure.
“Indonesia holds the position of the largest economy in the ASEAN region and currently assumes the chairmanship. This presents a significant opportunity that will not arise again. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, boasts a robust economy in the Middle East. Therefore, cooperation between our two nations holds great strategic value,” emphasized Faisal Abdullah Al-Amudi.
