Deputy Foreign Minister Encourages Indonesian Students in the Middle East to Contribute to National Development

Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta has encouraged Indonesian students in the Middle East to play a greater role, emphasising their potential contribution to national development and global peace. Speaking at a symposium for the Indonesian Students Association (PPI) for the Middle East and Africa in Muscat, Oman, Anis Matta highlighted the importance of their intellectual tradition.

During his working visit, Anis Matta also held a meeting with the Sultan of Oman’s Special Envoy for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Zaher Al-Hinai. The two officials reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments affecting stability, energy security, and international shipping routes.

Both sides noted the positive trend in trade relations, with Indonesia-Oman trade reaching 954.2 million US dollars in the January-May 2026 period, marking a 77 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Indonesian exports also rose by nearly 97 percent. The two nations shared the view that dialogue and diplomacy are key instruments in easing regional tensions.