BAHRAIN will soon open a new embassy in Indonesia with the aim of boosting the flow of tourists and investment, while new agreements are in the pipeline that could lead to increased economic ties between the two countries.
Indonesian Ambassador Nur Syahrir Rahardjo said the new mission in Jakarta was due to open in the city’s exclusive diplomatic area.
Consular and emergency services to Bahrainis in Indonesia are currently provided by the country’s diplomats in Thailand.
“Bahrain’s government has finalised a new building in Jakarta’s exclusive diplomatic area that will be soon opened,” he said.
“From what I know, an ambassador has been nominated and will soon submit his credentials and start working with his Bahraini staff in the new mission.”
The diplomat said there had already been a 40 per cent increase in Bahraini tourists to Indonesia last year compared with 2015, from 1,585 to 2,008, because of a free visa policy for short visits.
“I am excited that once the Bahrain Embassy in Indonesia is opened we will further strengthen our communications and work towards promoting the flow of tourists and investments from both countries,” he added.
He revealed Indonesia was now targeting the Middle East as a source of tourism and had earmarked at least 10 new destinations beyond the ever-popular Bali for development, such as North Sumatra, Bangka, Belitung Islands and Drawn Island.
“Indonesia is now putting Middle East countries as its primary target for foreign tourists,” he said.
A delegation from Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry is due in Bahrain this week to hold talks with different travel operators in the country, coinciding with a reception and cultural performance on Wednesday at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa to mark the country’s National Day, which fell on August 17.
There has already been an increase in bilateral trade this year, reaching $127 million in the first six months – surpassing total trade of $101.4m last year.
Meanwhile, Mr Rahardjo says he hopes to encourage the first Indonesian company or industry to set up operations in Bahrain, as well as increase diversity of Bahraini investments in Indonesia – which is limited to the financial sector.
“There is a big scope of improvement that can further push this bilateral trade figure and we at the embassy have identified key products such as food and beverages, agricultural products, minerals, strategic industries like aircraft, armaments, as well as military grade vehicles,” he said.
“Other steps we are taking now are promoting more business meetings between officials from both sides to know about trading opportunities and talks to operate direct flights to Jakarta ”
A delegation of about 50 Bahraini businessmen is due to take part in an annual trade expo next month in Jakarta.
“The embassy is also inviting Indonesian businessmen to visit Bahrain to promote their products and take part in exhibitions, as well as co-ordinating with ministries and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry as key partners,” added the ambassador.
He said his government was also working on a new agreement to boost economic relations.
“We are now considering either a Free Trade Agreement or a comprehensive economic agreement which will cover several trade and industry issues that will help the two brotherly countries,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, a high-level delegation from Indonesia’s Defence Ministry will attend the first Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference from October 16 to October 18.
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