Skip to main content

Joko Widodo in UAE: Let's unpack a special relationship UAE and Indonesia share


On Thursday, after concluding his official visit to the UAE, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized strengthening the UAE-Indonesia relationship. During his state visit, Widodo and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met on July 17 to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including the economy, food security, investment, infrastructure, health, education, and climate action.

Indonesian media have praised Widodo's visit to the Gulf state, underscoring the strong relations between the two countries and highlighting the UAE's significance as a key partner for Indonesia in the Middle East.

Depth of UAE-Indonesia Bilateral Relations

The UAE and Indonesia have shared a deep and growing relationship for several decades. As Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation with over 270 million people, and the UAE share common values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Both nations support Palestinian statehood and take strong stances against extremism.

In November 2022, Sheikh Mohamed and President Widodo attended the inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Indonesia. Named after the UAE's founding father, the mosque, a smaller replica of the one in the UAE, symbolizes the depth of their bilateral relations.

Shared Commonalities

Despite geographical distance, the UAE and Indonesia share significant similarities in domestic affairs. Both nations invest heavily in vital megaprojects, develop their tourism sectors, focus on food security, and future-proof their infrastructure against climate change. They maintain openness to the global stage while preserving their religious and cultural heritage.

The human connection between the two countries is also strong, with thousands of Indonesians residing in the UAE, contributing to the Gulf state's rich cosmopolitan culture.

UAE-Indonesia Economic Cooperation After CEPA Deal

In 2022, the UAE and Indonesia signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant milestone in their economic cooperation. Since then, bilateral trade has increased substantially. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion within five years. In 2014, when President Widodo took office, bilateral non-oil trade was $2.7 billion, reaching $4.4 billion by 2023.

President Widodo emphasized enhancing collaboration in clean energy, environmental protection, and climate action, aiming to further strengthen bilateral relations.

UAE and Indonesia Ink 8 Vital Deals

1. Agreement to install solar energy systems on industrial and commercial rooftops in Indonesia.
2. MoU on public budget management.
3. MoU on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
4. MoU on smart payment systems.
5. MoU on the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo Mangrove Research Centre.
6. MoU on cooperation in real estate development, tourism investment, and management of airports and hotels.
7. Agreement on maritime patrol aircraft.
8. Deal between Dubai International Financial Centre and Nusantara Capital Authority.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...
Post a Comment
Read more

UAE Introduces AI-Driven Drones for Crescent Moon Sighting

  For the first time in history, the UAE is employing artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon, signaling the start of Ramadan. This modernized approach blends technology with Islamic tradition, enhancing the reliability of moon sighting methods. Historically, the crescent moon has been identified through naked-eye sightings and advanced astronomical calculations. By incorporating AI-supported drones, the UAE is reinforcing its position as a leader in technological innovation while maintaining deep respect for religious customs. This method is backed by national research centers and astronomical observatories, ensuring precision and credibility in determining the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Suhoor, the early morning meal, and Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, hold great importance during this period. The holy month is also a time of increased charitable giving, with many Muslims part...
Post a Comment
Read more

UK Business Migration to the UAE: An Economic Transformation Set to Triple by 2035

  A significant realignment is underway in the global business landscape. The corridor between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates is experiencing a dramatic surge in traffic, not of tourists, but of companies, entrepreneurs, and capital. Projections indicate that the number of UK businesses operating in the UAE is on a trajectory to triple by the year 2035. This is not a fleeting trend but a strategic migration fueled by a powerful combination of economic foresight and pragmatic policy. For UK businesses, the appeal is clear and compelling. The UAE offers a starkly contrasting environment to the complexities of the European market post-Brexit. The cornerstone of this appeal is a favourable tax regime, featuring zero percent income tax and a competitive corporate tax structure. This financial efficiency is coupled with groundbreaking reforms that allow for one hundred percent foreign ownership of mainland companies, giving investors full control over their ventures. The...
Post a Comment
Read more