Background of the Visit

Prabowo’s state visit to the UAE followed months of behind‑the‑scenes negotiations aimed at deepening Indonesia‑UAE diplomatic ties. The itinerary began with a private briefing in Jakarta, continued with a diplomatic convoy to Muscat, and culminated in an Abu Dhabi summit attended by the seven emirate rulers. The trip’s purpose was to cement a multi‑layered partnership that goes beyond trade, encompassing defence, technology and cultural cooperation.

Leaders Who Shaped the Summit

The summit gathered the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al‑Quwain, Ras Al‑Khaimah and Fujairah. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi stressed Indonesia’s role as a gateway to the wider ASEAN market. Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighted joint tourism packages, while Sharjah’s Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi focused on cultural and educational exchanges. Each emirate sees Indonesia’s growing consumer base and maritime position as complementary to its own diversification goals.

Defence and Security Agreements

Defense officials from both sides outlined a roadmap for joint maritime‑security patrols in the Indian Ocean, a region where piracy and smuggling remain concerns. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence‑technology transfer was also signed, allowing Indonesian forces to access UAE‑produced drones and cyber‑defence tools. “This partnership gives Indonesia a credible deterrent capability while offering the UAE a strategic foothold in Southeast Asia,” said Admiral Yudo Margono, Chief of the Indonesian Navy, in a post‑summit interview (Antara News, 2024).

Economic Opportunities and Trade Targets

Trade volume targets were set ambitiously: both sides aim to push bilateral exchange past US$10 billion within five years. Energy remains a cornerstone, with UAE firms eyeing Indonesia’s renewable‑energy potential—particularly solar farms in Java and wind projects in Sulawesi. The ministries of trade announced a “Middle East‑Indonesia” tourism package that will feature direct flights, heritage tours and halal‑friendly resorts, tapping into the growing Muslim travel market. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, Indonesia‑UAE trade grew 12 % year‑on‑year in 2023, reaching US$4.3 billion (Kemendag, 2024).

Infrastructure Collaboration: The Jakarta‑Surabaya High‑Speed Rail

One of the most ambitious projects discussed was a joint venture for a high‑speed rail link connecting Jakarta to the port of Surabaya. The plan leverages UAE expertise in large‑scale project financing and Indonesia’s need for faster inter‑city connectivity. “Investing in high‑speed rail is not just about transportation; it’s about unlocking economic corridors that will benefit millions,” noted Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Infrastructure (The National, 2024).

Cultural and Religious Significance

Ramadan provided a symbolic backdrop as Prabowo and the emirate leaders broke fast together at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, reinforcing shared Islamic values. Cultural delegations exchanged traditional crafts: Indonesian batik was presented to the rulers, while the UAE offered dates and oud as gifts. Both governments pledged to expand student‑exchange programmes, with scholarships slated for Indonesian scholars to study at UAE universities and vice‑versa. “Education is the bridge that will sustain our partnership for generations,” said Dr. Siti Nurbaya, Indonesian Minister of Education (UNESCO, 2024).

Impact on Trade Composition

Recent trade data shows Indonesia exporting primarily commodities such as palm oil and textiles to the UAE, while importing petrochemicals and aluminium. The new agreements are expected to diversify this mix, introducing high‑tech components and services. Analysts predict that the “strategic partnership UAE‑Indonesia” will open new corridors for Indonesian SMEs, especially in the digital economy, by leveraging the UAE’s logistics hubs in Jebel Ali.

Regional Geopolitical Implications

The summit arrives at a time when the Middle East is seeking stronger links with Southeast Asia to counterbalance shifting global supply chains. By aligning with the seven emirates, Indonesia positions itself as a pivotal player in a broader Middle East‑Indonesia relations framework. Neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have welcomed the development, hinting at possible trilateral dialogues on security and trade. “Indonesia’s strategic location makes it an indispensable partner for Gulf states looking to diversify beyond oil,” observed Dr. Faisal Al‑Mansoori, a senior fellow at the Gulf Research Center (GRC, 2024).

Future Outlook and Next Steps

Follow‑up meetings are already scheduled in Dubai later this year to finalize the defence procurement plan. A joint working group will convene in Jakarta to monitor progress on infrastructure projects. Both sides have committed to an annual “Abu Dhabi summit Prabowo”‑style dialogue, ensuring continuity of the partnership. The long‑term roadmap envisions a fully integrated economic zone linking the Gulf and the Indonesian archipelago, fostering sustained growth for both regions.

Expert Analysis

Regional security expert Professor Ahmad Fauzi of the University of Indonesia argues that the maritime‑security MoU “addresses a critical gap in Indian Ocean policing and could serve as a model for other ASEAN‑Gulf collaborations.” Meanwhile, economist Dr. Lina Hartono of the Jakarta School of Economics estimates that the renewable‑energy projects alone could generate up to US$1.5 billion in annual revenue for Indonesia by 2030 (JSE, 2024).

Frequently Asked Questions