Dates diplomacy: as Ramadan approaches, the sweet soft power of Saudi Arabia in Indonesia

In a strong symbolic gesture, Saudi Arabia has just donated 100 tonnes of dates to Indonesia in anticipation of the sacred month of Ramadan. The official discount ceremony took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta, in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador Faisal Bin Abdullah Al-Amudi and the Indonesian Minister Nasaruddin Umar.

“This initiative reflects the will of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salmane to support Muslim communities around the world”said Ambassador Al-Amudi. He stressed that this aid is part of a broader approach to cooperation between the two countries, especially in the religious and humanitarian fields.

The Saudi Embassy said that similar donations are also made in other countries, including non -Muslims, testifying to the international commitment of the Kingdom. This action comes a few weeks before the start of Ramadan 1446 of the Hegira. The authorities of the two countries have expressed their wish to further strengthen their bilateral links, especially in the fields of pilgrimage and Islamic affairs.

This diplomatic gesture is part of a broader Saudi soft power strategy, particularly active for a few years. Beyond its religious dimension, this gift reflects Riyadh’s will to consolidate its influence in Southeast Asia, a region where Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, plays a central role. This apparently modest dates diplomacy is in reality a significant lever of influence in Muslim interstate relationships.