This hope and optimism for continuity is bolstered by Jokowi’s son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who will serve as Prabowo’s vice president.

The continuing rise of Indonesia, a Group of 20 economy, has encouraged the United Arab Emirates, which has a robust partnership with the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, to view it as both an investment destination and an avenue for economic diversification.

The two countries signed deals totaling around US$60 billion through a series of investments in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively worth $10 billion, $23 billion and $27 billion, in multiple sectors, including petrochemicals, renewables, smart city initiatives, telecommunications, roads, ports, tourism, agriculture, technology and genomics laboratories, even defense.

This multifaceted bilateral relationship in fact serves as a template for strengthening cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN, which held their first summit-level dialogue in late 2023.

A significant portion of UAE investment is directed toward Indonesia’s transition to renewable energy. Beyond energy, Emirati investments are transforming Indonesia’s infrastructure, a vital factor in improving connectivity across the world’s largest archipelago. These upgrades play a crucial role in facilitating trade, travel and economic activities both domestically and internationally.

In the technology sector, the UAE’s expertise in fintech, e-commerce and digital infrastructure is enabling Indonesia to integrate more fully with the global digital economy, creating jobs and driving economic diversification. This long-term partnership not only accelerates Indonesia’s development goals but also adds teeth to UAE investment.