Kazakhstan Seeks Closer Ties With Indonesia to Expand Asia-Pacific Reach

Kazakhstan is actively seeking to deepen its cooperation with Indonesia as a strategic move to bolster its presence and influence within the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev highlighted this objective during a working visit by Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anis Matta, on June 29.

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Kazakhstan’s close cooperation with Indonesia means stronger ties with the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region and opens up new opportunities in trade and investment, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, education, and tourism.

Kosherbayev stated that enhanced cooperation with Indonesia translates into stronger ties with the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific, unlocking new avenues for collaboration in key sectors. These include trade and investment, transport and logistics, agriculture, digital technologies, education, and tourism. Kazakhstan emphasized its own investment and transit-logistics potential, signaling a readiness to foster practical partnerships with Indonesian counterparts in priority economic areas.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Indonesia convened in Astana in May, marking its first meeting in 13 years. Officials described this gathering as a crucial step toward strengthening bilateral economic relations and injecting new momentum into joint projects. Kazakhstan views Indonesia as a significant player in both regional and global affairs, recognizing its important role within Southeast Asia, ASEAN, the G20, and the broader Islamic world.

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We exchanged views on complementary economic approaches. Economic relations should be viewed not only through the trade balance, but also through links between strategic sectors that complement each other.

Anis Matta echoed the sentiment of complementary economic approaches, noting on X that economic relations should be assessed beyond trade balances, focusing instead on synergistic links between strategic sectors. Discussions also encompassed people-to-people connections, particularly through tourism and creative industries, which are considered vital pillars for strengthening bilateral ties. Evidence of growing travel between the two nations is apparent, with tourist numbers from Kazakhstan to Indonesia jumping from 8,200 in 2023 to 24,400 in 2025, according to Kazakh government data.

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We also discussed people-to-people ties between the two countries, including through tourism and the creative industries. Relations between our peoples are an important pillar in strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and Kazakhstan.