Saudi-Indonesian Ties: Decades of Strategic Growth and Shared Vision
Riyadh, July 02, 2025, SPA -- Relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, two influential members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the G20, have flourished for nearly eight decades across various sectors. The Kingdom was among the first nations to recognize Indonesia's independence, leading to the establishment of diplomatic ties in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
High-level visits have consistently strengthened this bond, notably Indonesian former President Joko Widodo's 2015 visit to Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's reciprocal tour to Indonesia in 2017. These exchanges led to the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding, significantly elevating bilateral relations.
Further meetings between leaders, including His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Widodo, have continued to solidify the strategic partnership, particularly exemplified by HRH the Crown Prince's participation in the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali and Widodo's official visit in October 2023. A key development was the agreement to establish the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council, signaling a joint aspiration for expanded cooperation.
Joint coordination between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, under the Ministerial Committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit and chaired by the Kingdom, significantly advanced international efforts to end the war in Gaza. This push for a serious political path to lasting peace, aligned with international frameworks, subsequently saw several European countries recognize the Palestinian state.
Economically, Saudi Arabia is Indonesia's largest trading partner in the region, with trade reaching $6.5 billion by the end of 2024.
The two countries share strategic energy relations. Aramco dominates Indonesia's gasoline market, holding a 25-30% share over the past four years, and is its largest oil supplier, averaging 11 million barrels annually. Both nations are eager to explore energy technology cooperation, leveraging opportunities presented by Saudi Vision 2030 and its major projects.
The Kingdom has also invested over $669 million across 113 development and humanitarian projects in Indonesia.
Facilitating the Hajj for Indonesian Muslims, the Makkah Route Initiative has been successfully implemented at Indonesian airports, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving pilgrims. About 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims and hundreds of thousands of Umrah performers visit the Kingdom annually. Renowned for their discipline, organization, and adherence to Saudi regulations, they serve as a role model for pilgrims worldwide.
Culturally, initiatives like the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language's "Arabic Language Month" in Indonesia further deepen ties.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's current visit to the Kingdom underscores both nations' commitment to timely cooperation despite regional developments. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia share a common stance: resolving crises and disputes peacefully through dialogue to foster regional and global security and stability.
-- SPA
