Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia before the Departure to United Arab Emirates, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, July 16, 2024

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

This afternoon, a limited delegation and I will conduct a state visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In the last ten years, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates relationship is getting stronger, especially in the economic and investment sectors.

The United Arab Emirates is one of Indonesia’s main and strategic partners in the Middle East and is the first Middle Eastern country that has a comprehensive partnership agreement—Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Indonesia. Our partnership is, among other things, focused on cooperation in the clean energy sector, such as solar energy cooperation in the Cirata dam.

And in the meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed, I, among other things, will discuss various efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and strategic investment. Of course, the new government will continue to implement the cooperations.

As soon as the meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed on July 17 is finished, which will be tomorrow, I will immediately return to Indonesia.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Journalist
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That is included.

Journalist
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, later, there will be a signing of Business-to-Business MoUs witnessed by both Governments of the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Journalist
(Your thoughts on) plans to limit purchases of subsidized fuel starting August 17?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, no thought yet of the plan. The issue has not yet been discussed either.

Journalist
(Your thoughts on) the meeting of five NU activists with the Israeli President?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please ask the PBNU about that since the Government’s standing is clearly in accordance with the preamble to the 1945 Constitution—very clear. So please ask the PBNU about this issue. Indonesia will always participate in implementing a world order based on independence, eternal peace, and social justice. That’s what we continue to hold on to.

Journalist
(Your thoughts on) the 190 years of Right to Cultivate for Nusantara Capital investors?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, it is in accordance with the existing Law on Nusantara Capital. I want the Nusantara Capital Authority to be given the power to attract as much investment as possible, be it domestic or overseas investment since the state budget only covers the development of the main area, namely the government buildings. For other areas, we rely on investment fund generated from both domestic and foreign investors.

(GWH/AW)