Indonesia's Widodo on a mission to safeguard progress


Mohamad Ali Harisi
  • English
  • Arabic

In the Bogor Presidential Palace south of Jakarta, the staff's faces reflect the calm energy of the 18th-century mansion, with warm smiles from the security personnel to the executive office.

President Joko Widodo is no different. Joking with his staff, he shares this tranquillity. Yet, his mind is racing: he wants to ensure that the reforms and changes his presidency has brought to Indonesia will continue after his term ends this year.

From foreign policy and climate change to the economy and the ambitious project of building a new capital, the leader of this vibrant nation of 280 million is on a lasting mission to forge strategic partnerships to strengthen the progress of his country, and safeguard his legacy.

The UAE, which President Widodo is visiting on Tuesday, stands as a key pillar in this journey.

We need burden sharing, not burden shifting
Indonesian president Joko Widodo

“The UAE is Indonesia’s strategic partner in the Middle East. Indonesia is also the UAE’s strategic partner in Asia. Therefore, the relationship between the two countries is complementary,” said Mr Widodo in an exclusive interview with The National at the historic palace, once a residence for Dutch governors during the colonial period.

“Moreover, I do have a close relationship with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, strengthening our ties in political, economic and development sectors,” he said on the eve of his fourth visit to Abu Dhabi since he came to power in 2014.

Two years ago, the UAE and Indonesia signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at turbocharging bilateral trade to $10 billion within five years and promising to unlock the untapped potential of the halal economy. The pact came into force in August 2023.

Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous country and the largest economy in South-East Asia, has significantly increased its trade value with the UAE under Mr Widodo's leadership. A decade ago, the non-oil trade value was much lower, but it has now risen to $4 billion.

The agreement also seeks to raise the combined value of trade in services between the two nations to $630 million by 2030.

Mr Widodo, the only Indonesian leader to emerge from outside the country's traditional political and military spectrum, is confident that this unique relationship will continue as he seeks partnerships in energy transition and investors for Indonesia's mega projects.

The leader said he looks forward to “seeing the partnership expand into new sectors like the clean energy and electric vehicles and also the new capital Nusantara” located in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.

“Nusantara reflects Indonesia's transformation through a new way of working and a new mindset that is smarter, greener and sustainable,” he said, adding that he has invited Emirati investors to visit the site.

Beyond what is written

Home to more than 30 million people in its greater area, Jakarta has long been impacted by flooding worsened by rising sea levels. However, it is not only the capital that faces these dangers; the archipelago is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the effects of climate change.

Mr Widodo called for a global commitment to fighting environmental threats.

“Developing Countries need the support from developed countries, including financing and also the technological transfer. And the 10 billion US dollar commitment to climate financing has yet to be implemented. Addressing climate change requires co-operation and commitment beyond what is written on paper.

“We need burden sharing, not burden shifting,” stressed the Indonesian leader known as President Jokowi.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo during an interview with the National at the Bogor Palace south of Jakarta
Indonesian President Joko Widodo during an interview with the National at the Bogor Palace south of Jakarta

The UAE and Indonesia are also united in the fight against climate change.

In May, it was announced work had begun on a new mangrove research centre in Indonesia, in collaboration with the UAE. Backed by the UAE's $10 million investment, the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre will be built on 2.5 hectares of land in Bali's Ngurah Rai Forest Park.

The park is already home to more than 1,158ha of mangroves and the research centre was first announced at last year's Cop28 climate change conference in Dubai.

Mr Widodo praised last year's climate conference, saying the “UAE has been successful in leading Cop28, and the team was very efficient in uniting and then acting and delivering".

"It has produced the first mechanism [ …] for climate action, and sustainable partnerships and solutions such as funding through the loss and damage fund."

Led by Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the climate conference ended on December 13 last year with a historic agreement known as the UAE Consensus in which close to 200 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in global energy systems along with a huge expansion of clean energy.

The UAE is also set to host a crucial gathering in Abu Dhabi in November, ahead of Cop29 in Azerbaijan, that will seek to focus minds on how artificial intelligence can help in the fight against climate change.

For the businessman turned president, the energy transition shouldn’t be used as “justification to make discriminative policies that obstruct development”.

The same goes for food security, a global challenge intensified by the effects of climate change. Collaboration is crucial, requiring co-operation not only among governments but also within the private sector, said Mr Widodo.

In its long pursuit of partnerships to transform the nation's economy, the Indonesian leader has sought to diversify allies by looking for partners in areas such as the Middle East and Africa.

His strategy aims to broaden economic co-operation and foster development in sectors that are crucial for a nation that has the largest Islamic population in the world.

Competition and rivalry

That is not an easy task when conflicts around the world push to polarise the international community.

In the Middle East, China has bolstered its influence through economic ties and diplomacy, forming strategic partnerships with countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia. The US, which has long-standing alliances in the region, views this expansion with concern and aims to counterbalance it.

“Competition and rivalry are normal. What is important is that it must be managed properly to prevent open conflicts, because war and conflicts harm everyone. The US and China are both good friends of Indonesia. Indonesia implements an independent and active foreign policy, and that does not take sides,” said Mr Widodo.

He called for a “transformation based on the spirit of multilateralism and collaboration including by pushing for UN reform to regain international trust. International law must be upheld without discrimination, and cannot be a double standard”.

Asked if the G20 could be the best format for international governance amid the divisions and weaknesses of the UN Security Council, he said that it is not “the right forum to resolve political and security issues that fall under the UN. This is why a UN reform is urgently needed”.

One of the biggest conflicts causing division on the world stage is the current war in Gaza, where Israeli bombardments have killed more than 38,400 Palestinians since the Hamas attacks on October 7 that killed about 1200 Israelis. The ravaging war in the besieged Palestinian territory has drawn condemnation around the globe, with countries calling for an immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.

“The real cause of the Palestinian issue is the Israeli occupation,” stressed Mr Widodo.

“The root cause is there. That can only be resolved if the root cause is resolved: an independent Palestine. Therefore, Indonesia continues to push for a two-state solution and a full membership for Palestine in the UN.

“We need to immediately ensure a ceasefire and then the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We all have a responsibility to make this happen.”

The other major conflict with global implications is the war between Russia and Ukraine, in which Indonesia has tried to help bring a peaceful resolution. Mr Widodo said he had spoken to the leaders of the two countries in 2022 and sent last month a representative to Ukraine.

“It is a difficult conflict,” said Mr Widodo, adding that Indonesia continues to push for peace “using the capacity we have”.

The world is also on edge ahead of the US presidential elections, and tensions escalated last week when former president Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. The assassination attempt resulted in one fatality and two injuries.

“I am very surprised with that incident. It's not good for democracy, not only in the US but in all other countries,” said Mr Widodo.

A general view of Jakarta
A general view of Jakarta

One additional task

President Widodo is due to step down this year at the end of his second and final term.

He will be succeeded by Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who previously lost two presidential races to him. The wealthy former general chose Mr Widodo's young son as his running mate after an exception created by the top court that allows current and former regional governors to run at 35.

However, the former furniture businessman faces an additional task: ensuring that the growth and stability he has brought to the nation, continues.

“People’s trust is my priority because, without the people's trust, a leader cannot do much. I'm not an elite party member. I come from a very humble background, therefore, people's support and trust are my sources of strength.”

“Going forward, I hope the transformation that we have conducted for the past decade can continue and enable Indonesia to become an advanced nation.”

For the leader known for visiting local markets and forming friendships with ordinary citizens, the future “will not be an easy era, for all countries, not only for Indonesia”.

“Challenges of geopolitical and global tensions. Threats of food and economic crises. Impacts of climate change and technological disruption. But amid increasingly complex challenges, I see that Indonesia has a good opportunity to make a leap.”

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows
​​​​​​​Release Date: April 10

UAE cricketers abroad

Sid Jhurani is not the first cricketer from the UAE to go to the UK to try his luck.

Rameez Shahzad Played alongside Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett in Durham while he was studying there. He also played club cricket as an overseas professional, but his time in the UK stunted his UAE career. The batsman went a decade without playing for the national team.

Yodhin Punja The seam bowler was named in the UAE’s extended World Cup squad in 2015 despite being just 15 at the time. He made his senior UAE debut aged 16, and subsequently took up a scholarship at Claremont High School in the south of England.

Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections" 

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom" 

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Milkman by Anna Burns

Ordinary People by Diana Evans

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Circe by Madeline Miller

Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

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Gulf Men's League final

Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

The biog

DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year

About Seez

Company name/date started: Seez, set up in September 2015 and the app was released in August 2017  

Founder/CEO name(s): Tarek Kabrit, co-founder and chief executive, and Andrew Kabrit, co-founder and chief operating officer

Based in: Dubai, with operations also in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon 

Sector:  Search engine for car buying, selling and leasing

Size: (employees/revenue): 11; undisclosed

Stage of funding: $1.8 million in seed funding; followed by another $1.5m bridge round - in the process of closing Series A 

Investors: Wamda Capital, B&Y and Phoenician Funds 

The Freedom Artist

By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)

if you go

The flights

Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.

The tour

Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

No Shame

Lily Allen

(Parlophone)

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the pledge

I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance

I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice

I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own

I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself

I pledge to live in harmony with my community

I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness

I pledge to do my part to create peace for all

I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community

I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity

Brief scores:

Everton 0

Leicester City 1

Vardy 58'

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes. 
Where to stay 
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.

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Brief scores:

Manchester City 2

Gundogan 27', De Bruyne 85'

Crystal Palace 3

Schlupp 33', Townsend 35', Milivojevic 51' (pen)

Man of the Match: Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace)

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Need to know

When: October 17 until November 10

Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration

Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center

What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.

For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com

The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Syria squad

Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania.
Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan.
Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef.
Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.

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RESULT

Huddersfield Town 1 Manchester City 2
Huddersfield: Otamendi (45' 1 og), van La Parra (red card 90' 6)
Man City: Agüero (47' pen), Sterling (84')

Man of the match: Christopher Schindler (Huddersfield Town)

How to keep control of your emotions

If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.

Greed

Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.

Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.

Fear

The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.

Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.

Hope

While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.

Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.

Frustration

Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.

Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.

Boredom

Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.

Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.

Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:

1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMascotte%20Health%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMiami%2C%20US%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bora%20Hamamcioglu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOnline%20veterinary%20service%20provider%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.2%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Other promotions
  • Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
  • Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
  • Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications) 
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Cashew%0D%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202020%0D%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Ibtissam%20Ouassif%20and%20Ammar%20Afif%0D%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%0D%3Cbr%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%2410m%0D%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Mashreq%2C%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Suad%20Amiry%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Pantheon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20304%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYango%20Deli%20Tech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERetail%20SaaS%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf%20funded%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Updated: July 18, 2024, 9:36 AM