Indonesia and Libya are entering a new phase of bilateral cooperation as both nations actively revitalize diplomatic and economic ties following years of reduced engagement. The renewed momentum was underscored by a series of high-level meetings throughout 2025, culminating in the Second Indonesia–Libya Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held in Jakarta in December—the first such meeting in 16 years.
The resumption of the Joint Committee mechanism marked a significant diplomatic milestone, signaling mutual commitment to re-establish structured dialogue after prolonged disruption caused largely by instability and conflict in Libya. Senior officials from both countries reviewed the current state of relations and agreed on concrete steps to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, education, health, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Economic collaboration featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides identified energy, transportation, ports, airports, healthcare, and trade as priority areas for cooperation. To support private-sector engagement, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Libya’s General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting business partnerships, investment flows, and trade facilitation. The agreement is expected to encourage Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in Libya’s reconstruction and development efforts, while opening avenues for Libyan businesses to access Southeast Asian markets.
A major outcome of the December 2025 Joint Committee Meeting was the signing of a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Officials from both countries described the agreement as an important confidence-building measure and a practical step to ease official travel, enhance institutional exchanges, and strengthen diplomatic coordination. Beyond facilitating government-to-government engagement, the agreement is also seen as a foundation for future discussions on broader visa liberalization, potentially benefiting business communities, students, and cultural practitioners from both countries.
Alongside visa facilitation, educational cooperation and scholarship opportunities emerged as a key pillar of the renewed partnership. Indonesia offered expanded opportunities for Libyan students to pursue higher education in Indonesian universities, particularly in fields such as public administration, engineering, health sciences, and social development. The initiative reflects Indonesia’s long-standing emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy and human capital development, while helping Libya rebuild institutional capacity through education and skills transfer. Cultural exchange programs, including cooperation in heritage management and arts initiatives, were also highlighted as tools to deepen mutual understanding.
On the political front, Indonesia reaffirmed its willingness to share experiences from its own democratic transition, offering support and dialogue as Libya continues efforts toward national reconciliation, governance reform, and stability. This exchange of experience underscores Indonesia’s approach to diplomacy—grounded in respect for sovereignty while promoting inclusive political development.
Both countries also benefit from shared multilateral affiliations, as members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperationand the Non-aligned Movement, providing additional platforms for coordination on regional and global issues.
As Indonesia and Libya move forward with implementing agreements reached in 2025, both governments have emphasized the importance of maintaining regular Joint Committee Meetings as a mechanism to monitor progress and sustain momentum. The revitalized partnership reflects a shared determination to turn renewed diplomatic engagement into tangible benefits for both nations, marking a promising new chapter in Indonesia–Libya relations.
