Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                        18 August 2017

'Our goal is to bring around 1,000 skilled workers yearly and so far we have already hit above our target this year,” Indonesian Ambassador Air Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi told on the sidelines of Indonesia’s 72nd Independence Day celebrations yesterday.

He said an estimated 40,000 Indonesians are currently working in Qatar, of which 15 percent are professionals who are mostly employed in the oil & gas and hospitality sectors. He said that hospitality is among the sectors where most Indonesian professionals are targeting employment.

'With increasing work opportunities and huge projects in Qatar, number of Indonesian work force is also likely to increase in the future. We stand ready to keep closely working together for the benefits of our two countries,' Indonesian envoy said in his address to Indonesian community on the occasion of 72 Independence Day celebrations held in embassy premises in Doha on Thursday.

He urged his community members living in Qatar to live with honour and dignity while respecting the local laws. He advised to actively participate wherever they are working with full spirit and enthusiasm for the development of Qatar.

On the occasion, Indonesian ambassador carried out flag hoisting  and cake cutting ceremonies. A number of sports competitions were also organised marking national day organised by various community Socio-cultural forums. Ambassador Sidehabi lauded the support and efforts of community forums.

He said that freedom gives us the responsibility of exercising the obligation to improve our life not merely the state to enjoy freely it's rights. Basri said the Independence Day Commemoration reminds them to stay stronger and exert more effort in looking for the best solutions to all the problems and challenges they face.

Indonesian envoy  extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people and the Qatar government led by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for hosting around 40,000 Indonesian expatriates.

Qatar and Indonesia enjoys strong economic ties and brotherly relations.