UAE Ready To Cooperate With RI In The Green Energy Sector To Housing

Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to cooperate in various sectors including green energy, housing infrastructure, and defense in Indonesia.

This was revealed by the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after meeting with the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates, Suhail Al-Mazroui.

"One of the main points we discussed was the donation of 50 million dollars from the UAE for forest refurbishment in Indonesia, which will be realized during Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Indonesia," Luhut said quoting Antara.

In the green energy sector, said Luhut, the UAE is committed to investing in geothermal, hydropower, wind power, and solar panels to accelerate sustainable economic growth. Cooperation in the housing sector is also the main focus, where the UAE is ready to assist construction and financing of 3 million houses in Indonesia.

"The construction of 3 million houses is also the focus, with the UAE being assisted in construction and financing. In addition, the development of ports such as Tanjung Priok and Makassar will be increased to international standards, in line with the cooperation of the electricity sector which has the potential up to 62 GW," said Luhut.

In the field of defense, said Luhut, the UAE expressed its interest in partnering in the production of light weapons and assault rifles.

Meanwhile, DEN's official statement was received in Jakarta, Saturday, saying that the planned meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, initiated by MBZ, the President of the UAE, showed the UAE's great concern for the stability of relations between the two countries.

"We also discussed the development of several strategic projects, including the Emirates Cardiology Hospital in Surakarta which is almost complete, the development of North Bali Airport which is still in the study stage, as well as the processing of alumina with downstream policies," he said.

In addition, Luhut explained that UAE investment also includes the construction of the National Data Center, the development of the Financial Center at IKN, and the establishment of the International Mangrove Research Center in Bali.

In addition to these programs, Luhut also revealed that discussions with the UAE also include the management of ports and airports in Jakarta and Bali to make them more transparent and efficient. The UAE also expressed interest in investing in the BUMN hotel sector through a joint venture scheme.

"All of these initiatives reflect a strong commitment to building a more advanced and sustainable future. I am optimistic that the cooperative relationship between Indonesia and the UAE will continue to develop and benefit the two countries," he said.