Indonesia praise historic relations with Kuwait

KUWAIT: A ceremony marking the 62nd year of Indonesia's independence was held yesterday at their embassy in Khaifan. Dozens of Indonesian citizens gathered at their embassy to witness the occasion which included a flag-hoisting ceremony, ceremonial greetings from Indonesia's head of state which was read out by the ambassador himself, the cutting of the ceremonial cake and a traditional breakfast. A cultural presentation, such as folk dances and patriotic songs, followed in the afternoon. Speaking with the
Kuwait Times after the ceremony, Ambassador of Indonesia to Kuwait and Bahrain Faisal Ismail greeted his countrymen and wished them a safe and fruitful stay in Kuwait.

I want all Indonesians here to inherit the same spirit of independence which we share back home. It's my privilege to be with about 60,000 Indonesians working in different fields. I wish to do a good job for my fellow citizens here and I firmly believe that it will only be realized with their support," noted the new ambassador.

Ismail is Indonesia's ambassador for Kuwait and Bahrain for barely nine months replacing Suderman Haseng, who was the Charge d'Affaires for quite a long period when his predecessor Hadiromi Nakim went on early retirement for health reasons.
Ismail noted that he was happy to be posted in a vibrant country like Kuwait, praising its long-time cemented political and economic ties with Kuwait. "Although we have to admit the weak economic status of our two friendly countries, we are trying our best improve them," he added.

Ismail mentioned several Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) which they signed with their Kuwaiti counterparts in April. Such MOUs, according to the ambassador, include their relationship in youth and sports, agriculture, investment, industry and joint commission. "We are working hard to follow these up in order to seriously implement our MOUs. I am sure we are heading to the realization of all the MOUs with the help of all the sectors involved," he said
In terms of cultural and social aspects, Ismail noted that his countrymen were not naﶥ to Kuwaiti culture as they both shares common values and religion.

With regards to some problems of Indonesian housemaids, Ismail noted that his country and Kuwait have been cooperating well to address various issues related to the concerns of their domestic helpers. "We try to solve the problem case by case. We have hired some legal experts to fast-track some problems they are facing. We are doing well with regards these problems," concluded Ismail.
By Ben Garcia, Staff Writer kuwait times