Kuwait should go beyond oil in Indonesia. The relationship is established, the economic signals are positive, and the policy alignment on energy transition already exists. What is needed now is a shift in investment strategy from hydrocarbon expansion to future energy systems.

Indonesia has stated its intentions with clarity. Minister of Manpower Yassierli recently affirmed that Jakarta is committed to strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation with Kuwait, with energy at the center of that effort. Speaking at the commemoration of Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day in Jakarta, he underscored Indonesia’s optimism for deeper collaboration in the sector. Both governments are now preparing for the inaugural Indonesia-Kuwait Energy Forum, expected later this year.

Kuwait has proposed a focus on renewable energy and the broader transition away from carbon intensive systems, areas both countries already recognize as common priorities.

The forum must move beyond formalities and produce concrete outcomes, including capital commitments and durable technical partnerships.

Kuwait’s presence in Indonesia remains concentrated in oil and gas. Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company has participated in offshore exploration across Natuna, Seram, Buton, and Anambas. The company is also expected to advance joint projects with PT Pertamina and Sinopec in Sulawesi. These projects reflect decades of cooperation, but they do not position Kuwait for the structural changes underway in global energy markets. Expanding upstream activity alone ties Kuwait to long cycle assets while many economies accelerate toward lower carbon power.

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