UAE's Exit from OPEC: Foreign Ministry Assures No Impact on Bilateral Relations with Indonesia
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has assured that the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ effective 1 May will not impact the bilateral relations that have long been established with Indonesia.
“We can state that the UAE’s policy does not affect the bilateral relations that have been established nor the strategic cooperation that has been built between Indonesia and the UAE,” said Kemenlu Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday (30/4/2026).
The Indonesian government, she said, hopes that this development will continue to support the stability of the market and the security of global energy supplies.
“And the Indonesian government will of course continue to monitor the situation comprehensively as well as its implications for the national economy and energy resilience,” she stated.
This step is seen as a strong signal of cracks in diplomatic relations among Gulf countries, particularly between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Gulf expert from the University of Bristol, Toby Matthiesen, assessed that the UAE’s exit is a crucial moment for regional political stability.
Although OPEC member countries often have differing opinions, they have usually managed to maintain cooperation for decades.
“This is a very significant step. It indicates a split in the Gulf,” said Matthiesen as reported by the Washington Post on Tuesday (29/4/2026).
One of the main triggers of this rift is differing interests in the Yemen conflict.
Tensions between the two countries peaked this year after a separatist group supported by the UAE clashed and seized large areas from the Yemeni government.
The Yemeni government is supported by Saudi Arabia.
In addition to geopolitical issues, the UAE has frequently clashed with Saudi Arabia regarding oil production quotas.
As the third largest producer in OPEC, the UAE feels it has a different strategic vision in managing its energy resources.