Indonesia-Qatar Ties Evolve Into Strategic Collaboration, Says Business Council Official

The Indonesia-Qatar Business Council (IQBC) has lauded the robust relations forged by leaders of the Southeast Asian nation and Qatar, which are “evolving into a strategic bridge connecting both countries through capital, knowledge, and shared vision.”

IQBC president Hendra Hartono Turman told Gulf Times in a statement that 2025 has ushered in “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, “transforming cordial ties into a high-impact strategic partnership.”

According to Turman, both countries have forged a strategic alliance “for a new economic era,” following the launch of a multi-billion-dollar joint fund, property ventures, and a strategic dialogue – all achieved during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Doha in April this year.

“These milestones mark a turning point in bilateral relations, linking Southeast Asia and the Gulf in 2025,” emphasised Turman. On the sidelines of Subianto’s state visit, both nations launched the Qatar–Indonesia Strategic Dialogue to co-ordinate political, security, and economic co-operation, he noted.

The new strategic dialogue allows Jakarta and Doha “to co-ordinate not only on economic matters but also on political and security issues amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing investment flows toward Southeast Asia,” noted Turman, adding that “both countries share similar positions on major global and regional issues, including support for Palestinian rights.”

At the same time, Turman said Indonesia and Qatar agreed to establish a $4bn joint investment fund to accelerate projects in the downstream industry, renewable energy, healthcare, technology, and property development.

He said, “The fund is managed through Danantara Indonesia, a newly formed sovereign wealth entity, partnering with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to channel long-term capital into strategic projects.”

“Beyond manufacturing and energy, property investment is expected to play a major role, ranging from hospitality and tourism complexes to urban mixed-use developments that can strengthen Indonesia’s position as a regional hub,” Turman also said.

Explaining Qatar’s interests in Indonesia, Turman emphasised that the country offers the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with a vast and growing consumer market, political stability, and a young workforce.

“Infrastructure expansion, industrial processing, and the halal economy represent high-return opportunities. Qatar also sees Indonesian property as a gateway to the tourism and hospitality boom, especially in destinations like Bali, Lombok, and the new capital Nusantara,” Turman pointed out.

Conversely, Turman further explained that Indonesia “seeks Qatar’s long-term capital to finance strategic infrastructure, green energy initiatives, health services, and large-scale property projects that integrate tourism, commerce, and housing.”

According to Turman, the partnership between both countries also aims “to bring in technology transfer, workforce training, and greater access to Middle Eastern markets for exports, halal products, and tourism.”

“The council has expressed strong support for this new era of co-operation. We are willing to actively contribute to ensuring the success of these joint programmes, particularly in promoting mutually beneficial trade, investment, and property ventures. Our role is seen as pivotal in bridging government agreements with real sector implementation, encouraging private sector participation, and fostering long-term business linkages between both nations,” Turman stressed.

Turman added: “To ensure lasting impact, projects under the Danantara–Qatar partnership should include binding technology transfer clauses, clear local content targets, and transparent governance. Priority should be given to high-value sectors, such as petrochemical downstreaming, food processing, renewable energy, and premium tourism-linked property developments.”