Government Receives 30 Tons of Dates from UAE

JAKARTA - The government through the Ministry of Religion received 30 tons of premium dates from the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Indonesian people in the month of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi.

The assistance was symbolically handed over by the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Obaid Al Dhaheri to Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta.

"This assistance is not just dates, but a symbol of a very warm brotherhood between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. We feel that the relationship between these two countries is built on the values of humanity, solidarity and tolerance," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 24.

A total of 30 tons of dates arrived in Indonesia on February 23, 2026, through Soekarno-Hatta Cargo Airport. Upon arrival in the country, the gift was immediately reviewed and checked by the Head of the General Bureau of the Ministry of Religion, Aceng Abdul Aziz to ensure the completeness and readiness of distribution to the public.

Minister of Religion, Nasaruddin Umar, expressed his appreciation for the attention and brotherhood that the UAE Government continues to show to the Indonesian people, especially Muslims who carry out the fasting.

According to him, Ramadan is a momentum to strengthen social empathy. Therefore, the 30 tons of dates will be distributed immediately to the community in need, especially the poor through the network of the Ministry of Religion and related partners.

"Ramadhan is a month of sharing. Hopefully this gift will bring blessings and further strengthen the friendship between the two nations," he said.

The UAE Ambassador Abdulla Salem Obaid AlDhaheri explained that the gift was a form of sincere intention and solidarity of the UAE Government to the people of Indonesia in carrying out the fasting.

"This gift consisting of 30 tons of premium dates is given free of charge by the Government of the United Arab Emirates through the Emirates International Aid Agency. This is an expression of goodwill, solidarity and brotherhood to the people of the Republic of Indonesia in the blessed month of Ramadan," he said.

He emphasized that Ramadan is a month of love, solidarity, and generosity, values that are deeply rooted, both in Emirati society and Indonesia.

This initiative also reflects the UAE's long-term humanitarian approach that places humanitarian action as an important part of foreign policy, under the direction of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to him, the UAE believes that helping the community is not only a moral responsibility, but also an important foundation in building international partnerships and human fraternity.

The UAE Ambassador also highlighted the close relationship between the two countries which was built on the basis of mutual respect, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties.

Indonesian-UAE cooperation continues to grow in various fields, driven by the leadership of both countries and a shared vision for prosperity, tolerance, and humanitarian service.

"This Ramadan gift is proof of the depth of our fraternal relationship and our joint commitment to promoting tolerance, coexistence, and generosity," he said.