East Java and Yemen Strengthen Economic, Educational, and Cultural Ties
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfakeeh, at the Grahadi State Building in Surabaya. The meeting was highly strategic, focusing on enhancing the existing relationship between Indonesia and Yemen.
Governor Khofifah emphasised that the East Java Provincial Government welcomes initiatives to strengthen ties through exploring cooperation in the sectors of investment, education, trade, and culture. She noted that while technical cooperation in education and trade is being discussed, the process will follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the East Java Provincial Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).
According to Khofifah, trade between East Java and the Republic of Yemen shows a positive trend. Between 2021 and 2025, the export value from East Java to Yemen has been fluctuating but maintains an average annual growth rate of 24.08%. In 2025, the export value reached approximately USD 14.6 million, with primary commodities including processed flour (USD 5.8 million), soaps and cleaning preparations (USD 3.69 million), paper and cardboard (USD 1.5 million), as well as glass products, processed foods, electrical equipment, and fishery products.
Conversely, the import value from Yemen to East Java was recorded at USD 1.97 million, resulting in a trade surplus for East Java of approximately USD 12.63 million. The Governor noted the high potential for trade expansion, particularly as many Indonesian food terms, such as gado-gado, nasi goreng, and sambal, are recognised internationally.
Regarding cultural ties, Khofifah highlighted the historical and cultural links established centuries ago through maritime trade routes and the spread of Islamic values. The presence of the Arab-Hadhrami community in Surabaya and other parts of East Java, particularly in the Ampel area, serves as a strong symbol of this historical bond. Furthermore, she noted the high level of educational exchange, suggesting opportunities for Yemeni students to study in East Java and vice versa, particularly in religious studies, to promote the concept of religious moderation.
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfakeeh expressed his gratitude to Governor Khofifah for the reception. He stated that the discussions focused on plans for cooperation in education and culture between East Java and several provinces in Yemen, such as Hadramaut. He emphasised that the relationship is akin to that of siblings due to the historical migration of Yemeni people to Indonesia, and expressed hope that the plans for economic and cultural revitalisation would be realised.