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UAE woos Jokowi with investments, personal favors
The business deals may have been the reason for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's attraction to the United Arab Emirates, but what business he gets in return is just one aspect of Indonesia’s blossoming relationship with the oil-rich Gulf state.
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A street in Abu Dhabi is named after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, on Oct. 20, 2020. (Courtesy of/Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi)
I
nvestments were among the bevy of gifts showered on President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as he visited the United Arab Emirates to deepen a personal relationship he has forged with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
And while his government undoubtedly has its eyes set on the money, the President will likely come away with the even bigger prize of a close friendship with one of the richest and most influential countries in the Gulf region.
The government reported on Thursday that it had secured US$32.7 billion worth of investment commitments in various sectors, such as vaccine manufacturing and distribution, from UAE businesses.
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the 19 investment commitment deals involved cooperation between the Indonesian Investment Authority (INA) and Dubai-based multinational logistics company DP World.
State-owned oil giant Pertamina is also expected to ink a deal on floating solar panels with Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar.
Abu Dhabi artificial intelligence company G42 is also expected to invest in smart city initiatives, telecommunications and genomics laboratories. G42 visited Indonesia in September to meet its partners.
Indonesia and the UAE also agreed to speed up talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). After several rounds of negotiations that started in September, Jokowi expects the deal to be finalized as early as March next year.
