Indonesian envoy hails UAE’s ‘extraordinary transformation’

The UAE is the country which local to national public and private leaders and authorities, must look up to, for guidance in good governance.

That was from a diplomat who has seen and experienced the nation progress and develop – at least in the past 14 years of posting – four years in Dubai and 10 years in Abu Dhabi.

He is Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Husin Bagis who led the 70,000-strong Indonesian Community across the seven emirates, host a recent Diplomatic Reception, at the Abu Dhabi Country Club, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of their independence from the nearly 350-year rule of The Netherlands.

The Netherlands monarchy, discovered what would become the Republic of Indonesia from August 17, 1945, after a fleet of ships, led by Dutch merchant sailor Cornelis de Houtman, accidentally landed in Banten, West Java in 1596, to rival Portugal in the intensifying global trade of spices from Southeast Asia.

“Over the past 14 years, I have witnessed with admiration the extraordinary transformation of the UAE. The rapid pace of economic development across sectors – from innovation and finance to infrastructure and green energy – is nothing short of remarkable,” said Bagis.

“The UAE has shown to the world how vision, leadership and ambition can change the face of a nation in just a few decades,” Bagis stressed in his address.

He “expressed deepest appreciation” for the “presence” of UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, also the Special Envoy to Indonesia: “Your Excellency’s attendance as guest-of-honour reflects the depth of friendship and strategic partnership between our two nations, and it means a great deal to all of us here this evening.”

With the diplomatic and bilateral relations between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates formalised in 1976, Bagis is the seventh top envoy of Southeast Asia’s largest economy to the UAE, since his February 25, 2016 appointment by then President Joko Widodo.

“Beyond economic progress, I have also been deeply impressed by the enduring political stability and security of the UAE. Among the shifting tides of global and regional dynamics, the UAE has stood firm as of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world,” said the native of Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara Province, first deployed in the UAE in 2012 as the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre-Dubai director.

Bagis cited the consequent “increasingly influential role in international foreign affairs” and “active diplomacy” of the UAE particularly through its involvement in the regional Gulf Cooperating Council and the BRICS.

Formed in 2011 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the Global South group of emerging economies has the UAE as one of its members since 2024. Indonesia’s membership was formally accepted in January 2025.

“This is a testament to the visionary leadership of the UAE – leaders who not only think far ahead but also act decisively for the prosperity and unity of the nation and its people.”

On the Indonesia-UAE relations, Bagis quoted the Arabic proverb “Al khaleel ma yanseh khaleelah’ (‘A true friend never forgets his friend’).”

Boosting non-oil trade: Among the deals accomplished in the past 14 years was the July 2022-signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, “projected to boost non-oil trade to more than $10 billion within five years from the $3 billion in 2021” with the reduction or elimination of tariffs in various goods and services that open up more opportunities for exporters and businessmen from both countries.”

If there is any wonder why Ambassador Bagis was reflective of his 14 years in the UAE, he has “grown to call home,” he was already rounding up his tour-of-duty before he returns to Jakarta.

“Allow me to humbly apologise if, in any course of my duties, I have ever caused discomfort or misunderstanding through my words or actions. Please understand that every effort I made – every visit, every conversation – was always driven by the sincere intention to bring our countries and peoples closer, for our shared benefit and prosperity,” stated the diplomat, once described by a countryman as “down-to-earth.”

The highlight of the Diplomatic Reception cultural segment was the interactive Tabola Bale and Pacu Jalur mass dance whereby even the guests were not far behind in joining upon learning that it replicated the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations at the State Palace in Jakarta last August 17.