Indonesia Seeks Saudi Investment in Food Security, Technology

03/07/2025 04:23 AST

As Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto begins an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, a senior Indonesian official confirmed that the trip reflects Jakarta's ambition to deepen both economic and political ties with Riyadh.

Dr. Muhammad Hidayat Nur, Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly, told Asharq Al-Awsat that this presidential visit underscores the depth of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Nur said the visit is expected to explore ways to strengthen and broaden comprehensive economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on enhancing food security.

He noted that Indonesia is putting forward proposals to attract Saudi investments aimed at increasing domestic production of key agricultural commodities, including wheat, corn, and rice. He also highlighted the rising pace of tourism exchanges between the two countries.

He stressed that Indonesia remains open to new industries and emerging technologies, alongside efforts to ensure sustainable food supplies, as Jakarta actively seeks to draw Saudi investors.

According to Nur, Subianto will put forward a clear vision of expanding collaboration, viewing Saudi Arabia as a leading partner in supplying essential food products.

Nur explained that the new government's plans focus on strengthening security conditions that protect foreign investments and facilitate their smooth, safe flow into the country. "At the same time, we are committed to removing obstacles that have hindered investment in Indonesia, particularly in agriculture."

He emphasized that Indonesia welcomes Saudi investment across various sectors. Subianto is visiting the Kingdom carrying a package of proposals aimed at advancing bilateral relations and increasing preferred Saudi investments, especially in agriculture, food production, mining, and industrial projects, he said.

Nur also underlined Jakarta's intention to leverage both nations' membership in the G20 to deepen cooperation in economic, technological, and environmental fields. It is essential to strengthen Saudi-Indonesian collaboration within the G7 and G20 frameworks, he said, to address the imbalance and inequity in the global distribution of wealth and resources. This is key to creating more balanced development and fostering sustainable growth worldwide.

He concluded that Saudi-Indonesian relations are currently at their strongest and will continue to grow. There are no obstacles impeding progress, he said.

In fact, both countries are core partners who work side by side with shared visions in international organizations, especially the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They stand together, particularly on the Palestinian issue.

Asharq Al Awsat