October 21, 2025 | 08:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chair of UAE-based defense contractor EDGE Group, Faisal Al Bannai, said his company is exploring defense collaboration opportunities with Indonesia after his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Faisal mentioned that Indonesia is a close ally of the United Arab Emirates, signaling the chances of partnership with EDGE Group in technology and defense.
"Indonesia is a close ally and friend of the UAE, and there are many opportunities to work here," said Faisal after meeting Prabowo.
As stated on their website, the EDGE Group is a military equipment company from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, established in November 2019.
The company produces various defense equipment, such as missile launch platforms and systems, drones, missiles and weapons, as well as space technology and cyber security.
Besides the EDGE Group boss, the United Arab Emirates delegation also included the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri; the President of Trading & Mission Support of the EDGE Group, Omar Al Zaabi; SVP Chair of the EDGE Group, Ahmed Al Shamsi; and the Office Manager of Faisal Al Bannai, Abdulla Al Marzooqiz.
Ambassador Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri revealed that his meeting with Prabowo discussed various rapidly developing strategic cooperation fields in recent years. He said the current trade value between Indonesia and the UAE has reached over US$5 billion, up from US$1.9 billion in 2021.
"We have discussed many areas of cooperation. We talked about housing, infrastructure, and various other sectors," said Abdulla.
Abdulla Salem mentioned that the previous relationship between the two countries only focused on three main areas, namely oil and gas, ports, and education. However, since the Indonesia visit by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2019, the two parties have seen expanded cooperation.
"We have partnered in the field of renewable energy, education, and agriculture. One example is the Cirata renewable energy project in West Java, which is currently being developed," he said. "I believe that the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia remains on a positive track."
Regarding the energy sector, Abdulla Salem mentioned opportunities for cooperation in the exploration and production of natural gas in Indonesia. This collaboration is not only focused on production, but also on additional value for Indonesia through job creation and technology transfer in clean energy.
"We do have some forms of energy cooperation, including natural gas production in the Andaman Sea, Aceh Province. This finding is a significant achievement, which has not occurred in Indonesia in the last 20 years," he said.
Education is also a shared focus between Indonesia and the UAE, for which the ambassador said there is a plan to expand the partnership in this sector, with a delegation from Abu Dhabi planning to visit.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Launches UAE-Backed Cardiology Hospital in Solo City
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Set to Repatriate Two British Prisoners, One on Death Row
59 menit lalu
The two British nationals who will be repatriated are drug convicts.
Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program Has Reached 36.7 Million People, Says BGN
8 jam lalu
Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported that Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program has reached 36,773,520 beneficiaries across Indonesia.
Prabowo: Indonesian-made Cars to Become a National Strategic Project
10 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia will have a national car within the next three years.
Mount Semeru Erupts Repeatedly This Morning, Volcanic Ash Reaches 700 Meters Above the Summit
12 jam lalu
Mount Semeru experienced consecutive eruptions this Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025. Within a span of approximately 30 minutes, three eruptions occurred.
Amnesty International: Human Rights Situation Has Deteriorated Under Prabowo-Gibran's One-Year Rule
12 jam lalu
Amnesty International Indonesia assesses the situation of human rights under the one-year rule of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the most severe regression since the reformation era.
Minister Says Difficult to Maintain Ranking as Indonesia's Competitiveness Falls 13 Places
21 jam lalu
The Minister of Industry highlights the growth and challenges of Indonesia's global competitiveness.
U.S.-Indonesia Tariff Talks Ongoing Despite Govt Shutdown, Deadline in December
23 jam lalu
The Indonesia-U.S. tariff talks are targeted to conclude in December despite the U.S. government shutdown.
Indonesian Minister Floats Idea to Place National Police Force Under Ministry Responsibility
23 jam lalu
Yusril welcomes the discourse of changing police's position, which could be under an existing ministry or create a new ministry nomenclature.
Jonatan Christie Wins 2025 Denmark Open Title, Ending 16-Year Drought for Indonesia
1 hari lalu
Jonatan Christie made history at the 2025 Denmark Open, defeating world champion Shi Yu Qi to become the first Indonesian champion in 16 years.
Indonesia to Tap Carbon's Economic Value as New Revenue Source
1 hari lalu
The issuance of a new regulation, in the form of a presidential regulation, will expand sectoral carbon trading.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5264803/original/026336600_1750904581-Cek_Fakta_Tidak_Benar_Ini_Link_Pendaftaran__11_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/3110450/original/059507500_1587634731-Praying_Hands_With_Faith_In_Religion_And_Belief_In_God__Power_Of_Hope_And_Devotion___1_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5255933/original/074636900_1750220645-Desain_tanpa_judul__6_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/904568/original/070887100_1434622909-imagepemimpinresized.jpg)
