The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding investment and strategic cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure and technology. The pledge was conveyed during the Emirati Indonesian Economic Strategic Dialogue (EIESD), held on Wednesday in Jakarta. The meeting was co-chaired by Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, who also serves as CEO of Danatara, and UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei.
Speaking at a press conference, Rosan said that while the UAE had already made investments in Indonesia including solar and geothermal projects with Pertamina in Cirata the potential for further cooperation remained “enormous.”
“Therefore, we need to invest more,” Rosan said.
He highlighted several priority sectors discussed during the dialogue, including new investments in aluminum downstream processing in West Kalimantan and potential participation in upcoming waste management projects following the launch of the first seven projects. The two countries also explored joint investments in Indonesia’s rapidly expanding data center industry.
“In infrastructure, the UAE has also shown interest in the port sector and other major projects. They have even offered to co-invest with Danatara in ports overseas, not only in Indonesia, given their strong track record in port management,” Rosan added.
He expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued support, saying the partnership aligns with Indonesia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier with international assistance.
“We will continue to strengthen this collaboration across various industrial sectors to create mutual benefits and greater prosperity for both countries,” he said.
UAE Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei described the meeting as highly successful and voiced confidence in the future of bilateral economic cooperation.
“Indonesia’s infrastructure needs require significant investment, and the UAE would be delighted to contribute and partner with our Indonesian brothers and sisters,” Suhail said.
He acknowledged that the UAE’s current investment in Indonesia represented only a fraction of the available opportunities and stressed that upcoming projects aim to generate jobs and future energy capacity. Suhail underscored the importance of the data center sector, calling it essential for supporting future manufacturing as industries increasingly rely on data and artificial intelligence.
“Indonesia has enormous potential in human resources. These smart young people will innovate if they have access to energy and technology,” he said
Key areas of cooperation identified by UAE firms include aluminum, data centers, energy interconnection and other strategic sectors.
“Our sovereign wealth funds are already investing in Indonesia. We are looking for new opportunities, and if we identify additional areas of collaboration with Danatara or its subsidiaries, we will announce them,” Suhail concluded.
November 19, 2025, CNBC Indonesia(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20251119203304-4-686789/uea-perkuat-investasi-di-ri-data-center-hingga-hilirisasi-aluminium)