Exclusive interview with the Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar
By : Fazmina Samat
As of February 2025, His Excellency Ridwan Hassan serves as the Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar. He has held this position since at least 2023, diligently fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Hassan has prioritized enhancing cultural, economic, and diplomatic collaborations, notably spearheading Indonesia's designation as the partner country for Qatar's Year of Culture in 2023 – a significant milestone as the first Southeast Asian nation to achieve this honour. He has consistently underscored the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding, reflecting the deep and enduring ties that bind Indonesia and Qatar.
Watch the full video of the interview here below.
Let's begin with your introduction Your Excellency.
My name is Ridwan Hassan. I am the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State of Qatar and I'm very honored to be here. I came at the end of 2020, November 2020, which is now four years, two or three months ago and during a very difficult time. It was the COVID time and still the blockade was around. Alhamdulillah nowadays the situation is much better at this moment.
How large is the Indonesian expatriate community in Qatar?
Based on last year's data that we got from the government of Qatar in May 2024, the number is around 25,000. As you might know, Indonesia is also one of the gas-producing countries and we have big operations in some parts of Indonesia, especially in Aceh province in Arun Field and also in the Kalimantan Island in the Bontang field. So with that, it is very easy to get experienced workers from Indonesia working here. Indonesia has only 25,000 but the number of social groups call it the POCMA Society Group is around 85.
Can you provide insights into the current state of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Qatar?
Next year, if I may inform you, will be a very important year because it will be the 50 years of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar. Very significant milestone in our bilateral relationship is Qatar year. Qatar Indonesia's year of culture in 2023. Alhamdulillah when Indonesia was chosen as partner country in 2023. We have a lot of activities and event not only Indonesian cultural activities in Qatar but also Qatar cultural activities in Indonesia. For me it is easier to find out similarities than differences. Qatar is an Arab and Muslim country.
What’s one thing about life in Qatar that you find most different from Indonesia? And what’s something surprisingly similar?
Indonesia also is a Muslim country with different and very rich ethnic and cultural groups. Qatar is also a growing society where you can see people from different parts of the world, and people with different ethnic backgrounds living together side by side here. So this multi-ethnic society in Qatar to a certain extent is quite similar to the one in Indonesia where we also have a multi-ethnic society.
Have you tried any traditional Qatari dishes? Is there a particular one you’ve enjoyed?
So many, I think so many. Of course, Karak Karak is I think everyone and Gahawa. And this is very similar actually to the food in our region. You take these small sweets together with a cup of coffee.
What’s been the most memorable moment during this time as Ambassador in Qatar?
To be an ambassador in this country certainly has a special meaning for me at least and I guess also for many people. Why? Because we are assigned by our respective governments to serve in this country that plays a very important role in the world. It is a hub, an international hub. It has contributed to the peace process in the world. And this is a growing country with growing facilities. And of course, we do have a lot of community here.
What hobbies or interests do you pursue here in Qatar?
My hobby is not really far from daily life. I love to eat and I love to cook. Also tasty Indonesian food. It's nasi goreng. Yeah, it's Indonesian fried rice.
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