Kazakhstan is known as the ‘Heart of Asia’. A country that is locked by the largest land in the world located in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is a country consisting of vast grasslands, mountains, deserts and oases. In Kazakhstan, various flora and fauna grow. In that country, the beauty of heaven seems to be poured out in one place.
Kazakhstan was originally a nomadic nation. They moved from one place to another, nomadic—an important culture in the history of the journey of human entities before settling down to build settlements, villages, and even cities. Kazakhstan borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the southeast, Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest, with a coastline along the Caspian Sea. The capital is Astana, while the largest city and leading cultural and commercial center is Almaty.
Understanding Kazakhstan
As an Indonesian, Kazakhstan is a faraway country, but the word 'tan' in the word for the country is often heard in Indonesia. Sometimes, Indonesians confuse Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. However, they generally know that this is a country in Central Asia. Its big cities such as Astana, Almaty, Qaragandy, Qsymkent, Atyrau, and Oskemen are rarely known, except for Astana and Almaty which often appear in various news.
Since ancient times, Kazakhstan has had a culture of taming horses by the Botai people, an important culture that will later be useful for playing a role and synergizing globally. The Botai population is mostly ancestral to a population that is very closely related to Europe known as Ancient North Eurasia, and also displays some Ancient East Asian mixtures. Pastoralism developed during the Neolithic period. The population was Caucasoid in the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Kazakh region is a major constituent of the Eurasian Steppe Trade Route, the ancestor of the terrestrial Silk Road. Archaeologists believe that humans first domesticated horses on the vast grasslands of the region.
Kazakhstan was one of the destinations for exiled and convicted persons, as well as mass resettlement, or deportation influenced by the central authorities of the Soviet Union during the 1930s and 1940s, such as some 400,000 Volga Germans (deported from the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic), later Greeks and Crimean Tatars. According to information, deportees and prisoners were held in some of the largest Soviet labor camps (Gulags). The Soviet-German War (1941–1945) resulted in increased industrialization and mineral extraction to support the war effort. However, at the time of Joseph Stalin's death in 1953, Kazakhstan still had a largely agricultural economy.
On 25 October 1990, Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty over its territory as a republic within the Soviet Union. Following a failed coup attempt in Moscow in August 1991, Kazakhstan declared independence on 16 December 1991, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. Ten days later, the Soviet Union ceased to exist. Kazakhstan’s communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country’s first president.
Kazakhstan has the second-largest reserves of uranium, chromium, lead, and zinc; the third-largest reserves of manganese; the fifth-largest reserves of copper; and ranks in the top ten for coal, iron, and gold. It is also a diamond exporter. Perhaps most significantly for its economic development, Kazakhstan also has the 11th-largest proven reserves of oil and natural gas. One such location is the Tokarevsko gas condensate field.
One of the attractions for tourists to Kazakhstan is the Bektau-Ata Pass. It attracts not only tourists but also locals. Bektau-Ata is a real oasis in the semi-desert. There is also the Tokrau underground river here that provides fresh water to the entire city. Bektau-Ata translates as ‘mountain of the old saint Bek’. Scientists say that there was a volcano in the Paleozoic era, but it could not come out of the earth.
It is said that many years ago a holy elder lived in a village on the Bektau-Ata tract. One day the enemy came to this place and the locals had to leave their homes. But they could not cross the river. Then the elder waved his hand and the river split into two parts, so that the locals could cross to the other side. The locals continued their journey, but the saint went to a cave in the mountain. In parting he said: “This is your land. I retire to a cave in the mountain. If you need anything - come to the cave and tell your wishes.”
Locals often come to this place to rest. The main attraction of the Bektau-Ata tract is the Amangeldi cave. It is always cool here in any season, even in hot weather. Due to the increase in condensate, a lake with fresh water appeared. The length of the cave is more than 30 meters. To get to the lake, you have to overcome winding paths and steep climbs.
In terms of religion, according to the 2021 census, 69.3% of the population is Muslim, 17.2% is Christian, 0.2% adheres to other religions (mostly Buddhism and Judaism), 11.01% chose not to answer, and 2.25% identify as atheists. Kazakhstan is a secular state whose constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Article 39 of the constitution states: “Human rights and freedoms shall not be restricted in any way.” Article 14 prohibits “discrimination on the basis of religion” and Article 19 ensures that everyone “has the right to determine and indicate or not to indicate his ethnic, party and religious affiliation.”
Islam is the largest religion in Kazakhstan, followed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity. After decades of religious oppression by the Soviet Union, the advent of independence saw a surge in the expression of ethnic identity, in part through religion. The freedom to practice religious beliefs and the realization of full religious freedom led to an increase in religious activity. Hundreds of mosques, churches and other religious buildings were built over the years, and the number of religious associations increased from 670 in 1990 to 4,170 today.
Some figures suggest that non-denominational Muslims are the majority, while others suggest that the vast majority of Muslims in the country are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi school. This includes ethnic Kazakhs, who make up about 70% of the population, as well as Uzbeks, Uighurs and Tatars. Less than 1% are part of the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam (mainly Chechens). There are also a few Ahmadi Muslims. There are a total of 2,300 mosques, all affiliated with the Spiritual Association of Muslims of Kazakhstan, headed by a supreme mufti. Unaffiliated mosques have been forced to close.
Understanding Kazakhstan's profile is quite important as a basis for building long-term partnerships between countries, between business actors or between communities.
Indonesia-Kazakhstan Cooperation
Indonesia and Kazakhstan have close cooperation, at least in several areas as follows. The following are several areas that have been running or are being developed by the two countries. These areas are important to maintain and even develop for the benefit of both countries.
First, trade.
Indonesia and Kazakhstan are committed to increasing cooperation between the two countries in the field of trade. This commitment was revealed when Vice President Jusuf Kalla met with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Abdiruly Sagintayev at his office on Jalan Mangilik Yel Avenue No. 6 Astana, Kazakhstan (2017), one day before the opening of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in the Field of Science and Technology.
At the meeting, the Indonesian Vice President offered cooperation in the field of developing Islamic finance. Currently, there are at least more than 15 Islamic banks developing in Indonesia. According to PM Sagintayev, one of the reasons for the low trade volume between Indonesia and Kazakhstan is the considerable distance between the two countries. However, he continued, this obstacle can be overcome by building an economic corridor by utilizing the Kazakhstan-China railway line so that logistics costs can be reduced. Kazakhstan even welcomed the offer of cooperation in the field of Islamic banking considering that Kazakhstan is currently preparing itself to become a center of Islamic finance in the Central Asian sub-region.
Important information related to this is that halal products from 20 halal industry companies in Indonesia were the prima donna at the 2023 Halal Expo held in Kazakhstan's business and financial center in Almaty. The international exhibition was organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (Muftyat) of Kazakhstan and was attended by more than a hundred halal product manufacturing companies from Kazakhstan and a number of foreign countries, including Indonesia. The exhibition was opened by the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Sheikh Nauryzbai Haji Taganuly.
As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia observes that Halal has now become a global standard quality, even a lifestyle. For this reason, President Jokowi and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin announced a policy to make Indonesia a global halal hub in 2024, and it will likely continue to grow during the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka after being inaugurated in October 2024.
Regarding the halal expo, Indonesia presents a variety of Indonesian halal products, including food and beverage products, coffee, chocolate, traditional drinks, herbal supplements, home care products, cosmetics and Muslim fashion. Thousands of people have visited the Halal Expo 2023 exhibition and during the event many crowded the Indonesian booth. In fact, a number of Kazakh entrepreneurs and distributors have expressed their serious interest in importing Indonesian Halal products to Kazakhstan.
The wheels of the Indonesian sharia economy and halal industry continue to move to fill the global halal market. Currently, Indonesia's sharia economic indicators continue to improve, ranking 4th in the world, as recorded by The State Global Islamic Economy Report 2022. The main drivers of sharia economic growth include the large population of the world's Muslims, increasing awareness of Islamic values in consuming halal products, and increasing national strategies and programs dedicated to the development of halal products and services.
The Indonesian Embassy in Astana has promoted Indonesian culinary, craft products and culture at the International Day event organized by QSI International School, May 26, 2017, in Astana. The "International Day" event is an annual activity held by QSI International School. This event was attended by at least 10 foreign representatives in Kazakhstan and attended by hundreds of students from QSI International School.
The Indonesian Embassy in Astana even involved the Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Astana organization and the Indonesian diaspora in Kazakhstan as the main driving force to support their participation in this event. The Indonesian stand served various typical Indonesian culinary snacks such as mud cakes, rolled dadar, otak-otak, bakwan, risoles and various other traditional cakes. In addition, the Indonesian stand displayed and distributed typical Indonesian crafts, including batik wallets, wayang bookmarks, batik key chains, pencils with wayang ornaments and various other typical Indonesian handicrafts.
Second, interfaith dialogue.
The 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religion was held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur Sultan on Wednesday and Thursday (14-15/09/2022). The congress, which was held at the Independence Palace, was attended by around 100 delegates from 50 countries, including Catholic spiritual leader Pope Francis, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb, Head of Ashkenazi Israel Rabbi David Lau and Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Yahya Cholil Staquf.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kasyim Jomart Tokayev said in his opening remarks that the congress, which was first held in 2003, is a forum for dialogue between civilizations at the global level considering that Kazakhstan has long been a bridge between the West and the East. The Kazakh land has been a bridge between the West and the East for centuries. This has been seen since the nomadic kingdoms crossed the vast grasslands here, he said.
Pope Francis said that conflicts should not be resolved with weapons and threats, but with dialogue. The Pope invited us to contribute together, in this case: not with more weapons, but with education. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayyeb said that what is needed now is mutual understanding between religions and respect for humanity. According to him, it is time for us not to talk about uniting all religions into one religion. That is a fantasy. We are talking about how to strengthen social ties between religions and respect between humans.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of PBNU, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf conveyed the importance of dialogue to resolve various problems in the world. According to him, we must sit together to discuss all problems with an open heart to find out the root of the problem. We must continue interfaith dialogue like this.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Dr. Mochamad Fadjroel Rachman appreciated the activities carried out every three years by the Kazakh government by gathering all religious leaders from around the world to discuss the importance of the brotherhood of all mankind.
In this activity, all religious leaders united to call for brotherhood and the need to avoid violence in solving problems in the world. This is in line with the Indonesian constitution which calls for implementing world order based on freedom, eternal peace, and social justice.
Third, infrastructure.
Head of the Indonesian Capital Authority (OIKN) Bambang Susantono together with the Governor of the Capital City of Astana Zhenis Kassymbek signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the sister capital city or so-called twin city implementation. With this MoU, the development of the IKN located in East Kalimantan will adopt the city development in Astana, Kazakhstan. The signing of the MoU confirms the increasingly close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan for 30 years.
The cooperation between the two countries will cover various fields such as economy, energy, transportation, city management, and culture. This is the most beautiful gift of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Before the signing of the MoU, the Head of OIKN together with the delegates had the opportunity to visit the monitoring center to see the traffic in the city of Astana, city security, and the Astana city planning center.
The Head of OIKN received a detailed explanation and discussed the historical background and stages of the development of the city of Astana from Chikanayev Amanzhol, a senior urban design expert involved in the development of the capital city of Astana. In his statement, the Governor of Astana explained his experience in building the new capital of Kazakhstan which has been carried out for 25 years, from the previous one in Almaty City. The success of this development can certainly be applied in Indonesia in developing the archipelago.
Fourth, agriculture.
As fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Indonesia and Kazakhstan have shown a strong commitment to cooperate in the field of agriculture. This can be seen from the bilateral meeting between the Indonesian and Kazakhstan Ministries of Agriculture on the sidelines of the 2nd General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In the meeting, it was agreed on the importance of sharing expertise and experience, as well as the transfer of knowledge and technology, so that various problems in the agricultural sector faced by the two countries can be overcome. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia feels it is important to take a strategic role through cooperation between Indonesia and Kazakhstan in food and agricultural development.
Indonesia hopes that this cooperation will later have a positive economic impact on Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Both parties emphasized that they would immediately follow up on bilateral cooperation through the formation of a working group in the future.
Fifth, pharmacy.
BPOM is increasingly increasing cooperation with various partner countries. One of them is through the Knowledge Sharing webinar activity with the Kazakhstan Drug Regulatory Authority, the National Center for Expertise of Medicines and Medical Devices (NCEMMD). This opportunity is a means for both institutions to share information and experiences regarding Good Drug Manufacturing Methods in each country. BPOM also shared experiences as a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme and achievements in the WHO Global Benchmarking assessment.
BPOM and NCEMMD also conveyed the latest developments in drug standards and regulations, including those related to drug registration policies in each country. This exchange of information is important to support easy access to drug products that can strengthen cooperation between pharmaceutical business actors from each country. This discussion is a manifestation of BPOM's commitment to encourage collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and increase opportunities for exporting Indonesian pharmaceutical products to Kazakhstan.
Sixth, tourism.
West Manggarai Regency is attractive as a destination for the people of Kazakhstan. There is Labuan Bajo which is very interesting. In 2023, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan visiting Labuan Bajo will increase drastically. In 2022, the number was only 1,878 tourists. While in 2023, the number was 7,308, an increase of 389 percent. Of that number, of course, most of them came to Labuan Bajo.
Labuan Bajo tourism has recently become increasingly popular, inseparable from the direct intervention of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo. Labuan Bajo has recently been used as a place to hold national and international activities, such as the ASEAN Summit. Cooperation with the West Manggarai Regency government, in the form of promoting Labuan Bajo tourism in Kazakhstan, is important to implement, because in 2023, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan visiting Labuan Bajo will increase drastically.
The promotion of Labuan Bajo in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan is intended so that Indonesia in general and Labuan Bajo in particular can become a dream vacation for citizens of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in the future. Currently there is an Interline Connection flight Almaty-Bali via Incheon supported by Air Astana and Garuda Indonesia.
Seventh, Education.
The Aktobe Government in Kazakhstan also fully supports efforts to establish cooperation in other fields such as efforts to increase people-to-people contact through cooperation between universities. An important piece of information, for example, is that the International Relations Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UPN Veteran Jakarta, for example, has completed the final stage of preparation to open a Joint Degree program with the Department of International Relations at Ablaikhan University of International Relations and World Language, Kazakhstan. The finalization process of this international cooperation was carried out at the Ablaikhan University campus, Almaty Kazakhstan, through a direct visit from the delegation of the International Relations Study Program, FISIP UPN Veteran Jakarta on February 19-22, 2024.
As we know, cooperation will not be possible without mutual knowledge and understanding. Therefore, it is important for the people of Indonesia and Kazakhstan to understand each other. Cooperation between the two countries is very important, even though they are separated by a considerable distance. When meeting the Kazakh Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Serzhan Abdykarimov, together with the delegation of the Indonesian Ulama Council in mid-June in Jakarta, I feel that the closeness between Kazakhstan and Indonesia is important to be maintained and developed in several sectors above, including in the exchange of knowledge and synergy between religious figures in Indonesia and Kazakhstan.
YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.
