Indonesia’s burgeoning influence on the global stage is increasingly defined by its engagement with the Muslim world, particularly Saudi Arabia. Recent initiatives, including the now-annual Public Religious Gatherings hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah, offer a vital window into this evolving strategy – a strategy underscored by a nuanced balancing act between religious diplomacy, economic imperatives, and security considerations. These gatherings, exemplified by the January 15, 2026, event featuring Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Somad, represent a critical component of Indonesia’s broader approach to maintaining and expanding its ties with a nation holding immense geopolitical and religious significance. The event, attended by thousands of Indonesian workers and citizens in Jeddah, highlights the core tenets of this strategy, revealing a deliberate effort to shape the narrative and influence behavior – a quiet, yet powerful, assertion of Jakarta’s role.
The significance of these gatherings extends far beyond simple religious observance. They function as carefully calibrated instruments within Indonesia’s foreign policy toolkit, reflecting a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia rooted in shared Islamic identity and, crucially, mutual economic interests. The strategic importance of Saudi Arabia, a leading oil producer and a key player in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has compelled Indonesia to pursue a delicate diplomatic balance. This balance is frequently described by analysts as ‘strategic engagement.’
Historically, Indonesia’s approach to Saudi Arabia has fluctuated between periods of close alignment and cautious distancing. During the Suharto era, Jakarta prioritized economic ties and security cooperation, often aligning with Riyadh’s regional stances. However, the fall of Suharto and the rise of democratic Indonesia led to a period of increased scrutiny, with Jakarta advocating for greater regional stability and emphasizing the importance of multilateralism. More recently, under President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has sought to re-establish a stronger, more commercially oriented partnership, while simultaneously advocating for a more assertive Indonesian voice within the OIC and, increasingly, within the broader Islamic community. The Jeddah gatherings are a tangible manifestation of this renewed emphasis.
Key stakeholders involved are numerous. Beyond the KJRI and the Saudi government, the gathering’s participants – predominantly Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) – represent a vital constituency. These workers, representing a significant portion of Indonesia’s economy, are heavily invested in maintaining positive relations with Saudi Arabia, both for economic reasons and for the safety and well-being of their families. Furthermore, influential religious scholars like Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Somad, a prominent figure in Indonesian Islamic intellectual circles, play a crucial role in shaping the messaging and ensuring its resonance with the target audience. According to Dr. Riza Suryanata, a senior fellow at the Institute for Policy Analysis, “These gatherings are not simply about religious instruction; they are about bolstering the sense of Indonesian identity and national pride amongst the diaspora, reinforcing a narrative of responsible engagement and adherence to Islamic values.”
Data on remittances sent home by PMI from Saudi Arabia reveals a consistent flow exceeding $6 billion annually, demonstrating the profound economic dependency of Indonesia on this relationship. Furthermore, the Saudi government’s investments in Indonesian infrastructure projects – largely facilitated through strategic partnerships – underscore the reciprocal nature of this engagement. A recent report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted that “Indonesia’s foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia is inextricably linked to its economic development goals, with religious diplomacy serving as a crucial facilitator for securing investment and trade agreements.” However, this relationship is not without friction. Concerns regarding human rights within Saudi Arabia, particularly the treatment of migrant workers, continue to strain relations, prompting calls for greater labor protections and accountability.
The January 15, 2026, gathering exemplified several key messages. The emphasis on gratitude – a core Islamic tenet – aligns with Indonesia’s broader diplomatic strategy of projecting an image of a prosperous and benevolent nation. The instruction to “comply with local laws and regulations, upholding the principle ‘where one stands, there one must honor the rules’” reflects Indonesia’s pragmatic approach to international relations, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and legal frameworks, even when disagreements exist. The call to develop a savings habit underscores a long-term strategic goal – promoting financial stability among its citizens abroad. The final message, discouraging sinful behavior, speaks to the deeply ingrained values that underpin Indonesia’s foreign policy – a commitment to moral leadership within the Muslim world. According to Dr. Hamidjah, a professor of Islamic Political Studies at Universitas Indonesia, “The consistent messaging delivered through these gatherings is designed to not only shape individual behavior but also to contribute to a broader narrative of Indonesia as a responsible and influential member of the global Islamic community.”
Looking forward, the short-term impact of these gatherings will likely be the continued reinforcement of Indonesia’s image in Jeddah and amongst the PMI community. However, the long-term implications hinge on several factors. The next six months will likely see further iterations of these events, perhaps with a greater focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by Indonesian workers – particularly concerning labor rights and protections. Over the next five to ten years, Indonesia’s role within the OIC is likely to expand as the organization’s influence grows, partially driven by Indonesia’s own increased engagement and the strategic importance of the Jeddah gatherings as a platform for projecting Indonesian values and promoting stability in a volatile region. The sustained success of these gatherings will depend on Indonesia’s ability to adapt its messaging to address emerging geopolitical challenges and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of its diaspora.
Ultimately, the Jeddah Religious Gatherings are a microcosm of Indonesia’s strategic ambition – a quiet but insistent assertion of its role on the world stage. It is a strategy demanding careful calibration, perpetually balancing competing interests and ideological commitments. The event’s success – and its potential pitfalls – will undoubtedly shape Indonesia’s trajectory as a key player in the 21st-century global order. Consider the implications of this carefully cultivated diplomacy; how can Indonesia better navigate the complexities of its relationship with Saudi Arabia, and what broader lessons can be drawn from this approach to Indonesia’s international engagement?