RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Ministry convened a thematic forum of the Government Public Relations Coordination Body (Bakohumas) on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to align national communication ahead of Indonesia’s chairmanship of the Developing Eight (D-8) for the 2026–2027 period.

The forum, themed “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity,” brought together more than 100 public relations representatives from ministries and state institutions to align narratives and ensure Indonesia’s leadership in the D-8 is communicated consistently to domestic and international stakeholders.

Director General for Multilateral Cooperation Ambassador Tri Tharyat said Indonesia’s leadership reflects its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation among developing countries amid global geopolitical and geo-economic fragmentation.

“Indonesia’s chairmanship in the D-8 positions the forum as a real economic force within the Global South. The D-8 is not merely potential, but a reality of economic cooperation that is increasingly relevant amid global fragmentation,” Tri said.

He cited PwC’s The World in 2050 report, which projects that all D-8 member countries will be among the world’s 25 largest economies by 2050, underscoring the forum’s long-term economic prospects and strategic role in the global economic architecture.

During the forum, the Director General of Public Communication and Media at the Communication and Digital Ministry, Fifi Aleyda Yahya, emphasized the importance of an integrated, data-driven communication strategy that highlights concrete policies and tangible public benefits.

“Global leadership is not enough to be shown through international forums. It must be understood by its own people. This is where the role of government public relations becomes crucial,” Fifi said.

Participants also discussed five strategic priorities for Indonesia’s D-8 chairmanship: economic and trade integration, halal economy development, the blue economy and green transition, digital connectivity and cooperation, and institutional strengthening of the D-8.

These priorities are expected to generate concrete deliverables, including stronger economic and trade cooperation, improved competitiveness among member states, and a more effective D-8 institutional framework amid global dynamics.

Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo closed the forum by emphasizing that Bakohumas serves as a strategic platform to align central issues, strengthen public understanding of the D-8, and ensure consistent messaging in response to evolving media and information dynamics.

He said the exchange of views during the forum would help strengthen Indonesia’s ongoing communication and diplomatic efforts. ***