indonesian Presidential Candidate Attends D8 Summit in Cairo
Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto embarked on a trip too Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday to participate in teh developing 8 (D8) Organization for Economic Cooperation summit. The visit, which includes bilateral meetings with several heads of state, underscores Indonesia’s growing role in international affairs and its commitment to economic development.
The D8, comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, holds its summit from Tuesday to Thursday. This year’s meeting carries significant weight, particularly given Indonesia’s upcoming chairmanship, begining January 1, 2026.
Speaking at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base before his departure, Subianto outlined his agenda: “I will hold a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Then I will attend the D8 Summit,” he stated,as reported by kompas.com. he emphasized the importance of the relationship, adding, “Egypt is our close friend, a strategic partner for Indonesia and an important country in the Middle East.”
subianto’s itinerary also includes a post-summit meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation within the D8.
The summit’s focus,according to Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto,is multifaceted. “So first, the D8 is to align steps to face the global geopolitical situation today. Of course, this includes what is happening in the Middle East, in gaza, because the spirit of developing countries is aligned to support Palestine,” Airlangga explained, as quoted by kompas.com. The discussions will also center on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across member nations.
Indonesia’s expertise in MSME digitalization is expected to play a key role in the summit’s discussions. “Including digitalization, this is something we can share with other D8 countries,” Airlangga noted, highlighting the potential for knowledge transfer and collaborative growth within the organization.
The summit’s emphasis on addressing the global geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing conflict in gaza, resonates deeply with U.S. foreign policy interests, underscoring the interconnectedness of global challenges and the importance of international cooperation in finding solutions.
ASEAN Prioritizes Collaboration Over Capital for Economic Growth
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is charting a new course for economic development, shifting its focus from large-scale investments to fostering collaborative market opportunities among its member countries. This strategic realignment reflects a growing recognition that shared prosperity is best achieved through synergistic partnerships rather than solely through capital injections.
This shift represents a significant departure from previous strategies. Instead of prioritizing massive infrastructure projects or direct foreign investment, ASEAN is now emphasizing the creation of a more integrated and interconnected regional market. This approach aims to unlock the potential of existing resources and expertise within the member states, fostering innovation and driving enduring growth.
The rationale behind this change is multifaceted. While significant investments remain crucial,ASEAN leaders recognize the limitations of a purely capital-driven approach. Building a robust and resilient economy requires more than just financial resources; it necessitates a collaborative environment where businesses can thrive, innovation can flourish, and regional integration can unlock its full potential. This new focus on collaboration aims to address these broader needs.
“The emphasis is not on large investments but rather on creating market opportunities for collaboration among member countries,” a senior ASEAN official stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to a more holistic and sustainable approach to economic development.
This strategic shift has significant implications for both regional and global economies. by fostering greater collaboration, ASEAN aims to enhance its competitiveness on the world stage, attracting foreign investment organically through a more robust and integrated market. This approach also promises to create more equitable opportunities for businesses across the region, fostering inclusive growth and reducing economic disparities.
The long-term success of this strategy will depend on several factors, including the effective implementation of policies that support collaboration, the continued commitment of member states, and the ability to navigate potential challenges related to regulatory harmonization and market access. though, the shift towards a collaborative model represents a bold and potentially transformative step for ASEAN’s economic future.
D8 Summit Focuses on Geopolitical Cooperation and MSME Empowerment
This years’ D8 summit in Cairo brings together leaders from developing nations to discuss pressing global issues,with a particular focus on the Middle East and the empowerment of small businesses.
Interview with Dr. fatima hassan, Professor of International Relations at Universitas Indonesia
World-Today-News senior Editor, Sara Lewis, speaks with Dr. Fatima Hassan,a leading expert on the D8 organization and Southeast Asian economics,about the significance of this year’s summit.
Sara Lewis: Dr. Hassan, thank you for joining us today. The D8 summit is convening at a particularly fraught moment. what are the key issues on the agenda this year?
Dr. Fatima Hassan: Indeed, Sara.
The D8 summit comes amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. This year, the focus is twofold: addressing the global geopolitical situation, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and fostering greater collaboration to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within member nations.
Sara Lewis: It’s notable that Indonesia, led by Prabowo Subianto, is attending the summit just weeks before its upcoming chairmanship. How do you see Indonesia’s role evolving within the D8?
Dr. Fatima Hassan: Indonesia’s impending chairmanship carries notable weight. As a geographically strategic nation and a large emerging economy,Indonesia is well-positioned to lead the D8 towards a more proactive role in navigating global challenges. Subianto’s presence underscores the importance Indonesia places on these discussions, and his bilateral meetings with other leaders are crucial for building consensus and forging strategic partnerships.
Sara Lewis: You mentioned the focus on MSMEs. Can you elaborate on the D8’s initiatives in this area?
Dr. Fatima Hassan: the D8 recognizes the pivotal role MSMEs play in driving economic growth and social progress. A key area of focus is leveraging Indonesia’s expertise in MSME digitalization. This knowledge transfer can empower member nations to enhance productivity,expand market access,and create more inclusive economies.
Sara Lewis: Given the diverse membership of the D8, how can the organization ensure effective cooperation on complex issues like the conflict in Gaza?
Dr.Fatima hassan: This is a challenge for any multilateral forum. Consensus building requires navigating diverse perspectives and interests. However, the D8 provides a platform for dialogue, understanding, and collective action. While a singular solution to the conflict in Gaza is unlikely to emerge from this summit,the D8 can play a role in mobilizing international support,advocating for peaceful solutions,and highlighting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian peopel.
sara Lewis: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Hassan. It’s clear that this year’s D8 summit presents a crucial opportunity for member nations to address pressing global issues and forge a more collaborative path forward.
