JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The government of Aceh Province and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Indonesia have agreed to establish a joint task force aimed at strengthening cooperation in investment, trade, and air transportation. The initiative is set to officially begin its operations in May 2026.
The agreement was reached during an audience meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the
UAE Ambassador's residence in Kuningan Timur, South Jakarta.
Joint Working Group to Launch in May 2026
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Intensify Patrols to Prevent Forest and Land Fires Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf attended the meeting alongside several special advisers. The
UAE delegation included representatives from an airline company as well as embassy officials handling investment and trade portfolios.
"This was a courtesy visit and at the same time an opening of new business opportunities in Aceh," said Mualem through Aceh Government spokesperson Dr. Nurlis Effendi.
ENERGY AND INDUSTRY INVESTMENTS: Government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi outlines investment opportunities in energy, industry, and export products from
Aceh to the
UAE. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Read Also: Aceh Singkil Marks 27th Anniversary, Deputy Governor Calls for Development Synergy Energy and Industrial Investment OpportunitiesDuring the discussion, Governor Muzakir Manaf presented a range of strategic investment opportunities in Aceh to potential UAE investors. According to Nurlis Effendi, the key focus areas include energy and industrial development.
"These include oil, natural gas, mining, and palm oil processing into cooking oil," Nurlis explained.
He also highlighted Aceh's growing potential in renewable energy, particularly biomass. Products such as wood pellets and activated carbon derived from coconut shells and palm waste are considered highly competitive in the global market.
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Strengthen Ties with Pesantren Through Social Outreach ASSISTING ACEH DISASTER RECOVERY: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri, has expressed the country's commitment to supporting post-disaster reconstruction efforts in
Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
New Export Routes and Flight Connectivity PlannedAnother major focus of the cooperation is expanding Aceh's agricultural exports to the UAE, with an emphasis on value-added products.
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Step Up Patrols to Prevent Forest and Land Fires "For example, patchouli oil and agarwood, which are widely used as perfume raw materials in Middle Eastern markets," said Nurlis.
Coconut-based products such as coconut oil, coconut flour, charcoal briquettes, and coconut fiber are also expected to see increased export volumes.
The
UAE side responded positively to the proposals. Emirates and Etihad Airlines reportedly expressed interest in opening representative offices in
Aceh and establishing direct flight routes between
Aceh and the
UAE, with potential onward connections to Saudi Arabia, particularly for Umrah pilgrims.
In addition, the UAE pledged support for post-disaster reconstruction efforts in Aceh, including housing, agricultural infrastructure, and road development.
Read Also: Aceh River Tragedy: One Missing After Strong Current Sweeps Three in Pidie Meanwhile,
UAE energy company
Mubadala Energy confirmed plans to invest in a logistics shorebase to support exploration activities in the Andaman Block in
Aceh.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala