Ministry Of Public Works And Public Housing (PUPR) Stated UAE Interested In Investing In Indonesia's Strategic Infrastructure Sector

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo during a meeting with the UAE Government at the Ministry of Public Works office on Thursday, September 26. (Photo: Ministry of Public Works Doc.)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has expressed interest in cooperation and investment in various strategic infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

This was conveyed by UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri during a meeting with Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo in Jakarta on Thursday, September 25.

The Ministry of PU also opened up opportunities for investment cooperation. Minister Dody welcomed the UAE's interest and emphasized that his ministry is very open to foreign investment, including from the UAE.

"We are very open to investment cooperation. However, any investment initiative must first be discussed with the Ministry of Investment to ensure it aligns with government policies and has an impact on both countries," Dody said in an official statement, quoted on Friday, September 26.

The meeting also discussed the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Indonesian Ministry of PU and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in 2022, which is valid until 2027. The scope of the MoU includes the promotion of investment portfolios in the infrastructure sector.

On that occasion, Dody explained the government's current infrastructure development focus, guided by President Prabowo Subianto's directives.

"The construction of dams, irrigation, clean water networks, and energy infrastructure is the Ministry of Public Works' top priority, as part of the government's mission to realize national sovereignty in the food and energy sectors," he said.

In addition to the water, food, and energy security sectors, road, bridge, and residential infrastructure development programs are also being prepared to support equitable development.

The Ministry of Public Works noted several project opportunities that could be offered through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, with a total value of US$5.54 billion.

These projects cover the water resources, roads, bridges, and residential sectors, which are considered highly potential for collaboration with international partners such as the UAE.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed their commitment to follow up on the results of the discussions through technical meetings.

"We are ready to explore feasible and mutually beneficial projects with the UAE. We hope this collaboration will provide tangible benefits for the development of both countries," Dody concluded.