Moroccan melodies, traditional mint tea and the colours of two nations filled the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta on July 30, 2026, as diplomats, Indonesian officials and invited guests celebrated the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Morocco’s Royal Milestone in Jakarta
The programme opened with the national anthems of Morocco and Indonesia, followed by a video highlighting Morocco’s development under King Mohammed VI. Since ascending the throne in 1999, the King has led a transformative period marked by infrastructure expansion, industrial development, renewable-energy initiatives, social reforms and stronger international engagement.
Moroccan Ambassador Redouane Houssaini reflected on the significance of Throne Day and Indonesia’s position within Morocco’s engagement with Southeast Asia. Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso followed with remarks on the promising direction of cooperation in trade, food security, halal products, energy and investment.
A ceremonial cake cutting brought the ambassador, minister, Indonesian officials and foreign dignitaries together, providing a symbolic conclusion to the formal programme.
A Grand Cordon for H.E. Hasrul Azwar Hutasuhut
One of the reception’s defining moments was the presentation of the Grand Cordon of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite to H.E. Hasrul Azwar Hutasuhut, Indonesia’s former ambassador to Morocco and Mauritania. Ambassador Houssaini presented the decoration on behalf of King Mohammed VI.
One of Morocco’s most distinguished royal honours, the Order recognises exceptional service to the Kingdom and its international relationships. Hasrul served in Rabat from April 2019 until February 2025, a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic, the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties towards a strategic partnership.
The decoration acknowledged his diplomatic service and contribution to transforming longstanding goodwill into broader institutional cooperation.
Expanding Achievements Across Key Sectors
Indonesia and Morocco have recorded significant progress across diplomacy, commerce, education and culture in recent years. The opening of Indonesia’s honorary consulate in Casablanca in September 2022 strengthened Indonesia’s presence in Morocco’s leading commercial centre and created another channel for businesses, tourists and local communities.
Economic engagement expanded through trade exhibitions, the promotion of Trade Expo Indonesia and closer connections between companies from both countries. Cooperation between Morocco’s OCP Group and Pupuk Indonesia also highlighted the importance of phosphates and fertilizers to Indonesia’s agricultural productivity.
The relationship has broadened into water management, waste treatment and energy through cooperation between the countries’ public works authorities. Scholarships and academic exchanges have strengthened educational links, while programmes featuring Indonesian batik, dance, cuisine and religious traditions have deepened cultural understanding.
The Strategic Partnership Takes Formal Shape
A major diplomatic milestone was reached in December 2023, when Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita signed an agreement in Rabat establishing a strategic partnership.
The framework created a broader foundation for cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, science, culture, migration and multilateral diplomacy. It represented the institutional outcome of years of engagement between officials, diplomats, businesses and communities in both countries.
Hasrul had expressed the ambition behind this development when he declared, “We’re ready to be Morocco’s strategic partner,” connecting “not only Morocco and Indonesia, but also Africa and Asia.” The agreement placed that vision within a formal structure capable of supporting long-term cooperation.
Trade and a Shared Future Gain Momentum
The partnership is now producing measurable economic results. Bilateral trade reached US$255 million in 2025, increasing 33 percent from the previous year. During the first five months of 2026, trade grew another 42 percent year-on-year, while commercial agreements signed in 2025 were valued at US$40.7 million.
Morocco supplied Indonesia with more than US$45 million in nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in 2025. Indonesia, meanwhile, has opportunities to expand exports of palm oil, textiles, electronics and halal products. A mutual recognition agreement on halal certification signed in May 2026 could further improve market access. As Budi observed, “Our economies are highly complementary.”
Following the formal programme, Melodies Al-Andalus performed throughout the remainder of the reception. The ensemble had appeared with Indonesia’s Muara Performing Arts at the Indonesia–Morocco Cultural Evening earlier that week, connecting the two celebrations through music and cultural exchange.
Traditional Moroccan tea was served as the ensemble played, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diplomatic, cultural and business conversations. With Andalusian melodies and Moroccan hospitality bringing the evening to a close, the Throne Day reception celebrated King Mohammed VI’s leadership while affirming that Indonesia–Morocco relations have entered a more ambitious and structured chapter.
