SAEED AHMED (ABU DHABI)
The UAE and the Republic of Indonesia enjoy strong and long-standing historical relations, covering a wide spectrum of political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Both nations established ties in 1976, which were upgraded with the opening of the Indonesian embassy in Abu Dhabi at the Chargé d'Affaires level on October 28, 1978, and it was further elevated in February 2003.
Diplomatic Ties
Relations between the UAE and Indonesia progressed with the establishment of the UAE Embassy in Jakarta on June 10, 1991, the Consular Services Office in August 2014, and the Military Attaches Office was opened in April 2019.
Notably, the UAE Red Crescent office in Jakarta was opened in 1997.
The Consulate General of Jakarta, the Trade Promotion Office, and the Indonesian Investment Promotion Office were established in Dubai in 2010.
For the last 50 years, the leaders of both nations have regularly paid state visits.
The visit of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to Indonesia in May 1990 marked a pivotal moment in Emirati-Indonesian relations.
On July 25, 2019, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Indonesia, a significant event that helped further the strategic relations.
The presidents of Indonesia reciprocated the state visit.
His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited the UAE in April 2006, while His Excellency the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, has made multiple visits to the UAE, in September 2015, November 2021, and July 2022.
Beacons of Tolerance
Both the UAE and Indonesia serve as models of promoting tolerance and coexistence. Indonesia successfully leverages its diverse ethnic, linguistic, and religious makeup to benefit its development objectives.
Similarly, the UAE is home to over 200 nationalities living in harmony with equal rights and responsibilities.
This diversity has positioned the nation as a leading advocate for tolerance in the region. Through various events and initiatives, the UAE actively promotes and disseminates the values of tolerance globally.
The UAE and Indonesia both acknowledged the significance of promoting the idea of tolerance among young people.
In 2015, during Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to the UAE, both sides released a joint statement emphasising the importance of promoting the accurate portrayal of Islam and fostering dialogue in order to achieve global peace, security, and stability.
Closer Ties
In October 2020, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed to build a mosque named after Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in the Diplomatic Area in Abu Dhabi.
His Highness also gave directives to rename Al Ma'arid Street, one of the capital's key roads, in honour of the President.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, officially inaugurated President Joko Widodo Street in a ceremony coinciding with the anniversary of H.E Joko Widodo's election as president of Indonesia.
The President Joko Widodo Mosque was opened in the diplomatic area in Abu Dhabi by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in December 2023. Notably, the mosque can host 2,500 worshipers.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Indonesia on November 14, 2022, and together with President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo, Indonesia.
Construction of the mosque began in May 2021 and it covers a total area of 27,492 square metres, as well as occupies 8,441.28 square metres of space.
The floors were adorned with traditional patterned fabric, symbolising unity, justice, and sanctity in accordance with local customs.
The mosque, named after the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, comprises 56 domes and four minarets.
Its main prayer area features 32 columns, a design that honours the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy of promoting humanity and tolerance, in addition to enhancing Emirati-Indonesian relations, which he initiated.
The mosque's architecture resembles the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers.
The hallways of the mosque are adorned with traditional Indonesian decorations, including the lighting and chandeliers.
The design blends Arabic and Javenese elements, showcasing creativity.
The mosque has become a hub for numerous cultural and social events, benefitting the local community.
Promoting Education
In February 2024, construction began for the Mohamed Bin Zayed College of Future Studies in Yogyakarta on the Indonesian island of Java, a fruit of partnership between Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities and Nahdlatul Ulama University.
The college was founded as part of Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities' initiatives to improve higher education options in future studies, humanities, and other disciplines.
It aims to incorporate cultural values such as tolerance, respect, sustainability, and environmental protection into future studies, while also supporting development.
Environment Protection
In May 2024, the UAE announced the start of construction for the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre on the island of Bali, in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia.
This came as a part of the UAE's pledge to allocate $10 million to support initiatives across the globe for nurturing mangrove ecosystems.
Mangroves are recognised as a critically important nature-based solution in combating climate change and preserving coastal ecosystems.
The project reflects the strong ties between the UAE and Indonesia across various crucial sectors, with a particular focus on promoting sustainable development.
The centre named after Mohamed bin Zayed and Joko Widodo will be constructed on 2.5 hectares within the Great Forest Park Ngurah Rai in Bali, Indonesia.
The park is known for its diverse biological life and covers 1,158.44 hectares of mangrove ecosystems near Benoa Bay.
The Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo Centre aims to increase research on cultivating mangroves, enhance their role as natural carbon sinks, mitigate climate change, improve coastal ecosystems, and promote biodiversity.
Ocean Protection
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia have agreed to work together to help Indonesia reduce plastic waste entering the oceans.
The agreement builds on the joint cooperation of both nations to implement nature-based solutions in addressing climate change challenges, such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre.
The agreement establishes a plan for collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste seeping into the waters surrounding Indonesia.
Also during the event, Clean Rivers, a global non-profit based in Abu Dhabi, was launched with the aim of addressing the challenge of river plastic pollution.
Clean Rivers, will serve as an official implementing partner of the MoU.