Indonesia’s D-8 Chairmanship Continues Despite Summit Delay

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s chairmanship of the Developing Eight (D-8) will continue as planned despite the postponement of the summit originally scheduled for April. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Jakarta remains committed to advancing its leadership agenda for the 2026–2027 period.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela explained that Indonesia is closely monitoring global conditions to determine the most suitable timing for D-8 activities. He stressed that none of the programs under Indonesia’s chairmanship have been canceled, only delayed. The adjustment, he noted, reflects the current focus of several member states dealing with conflicts in the Middle East.

“Our priorities will still move forward. There is no cancellation, only rescheduling. This is being coordinated with the D-8 Secretariat and other member countries,” Nabyl said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The D-8, established in 1997, is an economic cooperation organization comprising Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, with Azerbaijan joining as the ninth member in 2025.

Indonesia’s chairmanship carries the theme “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equity, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.” Its five priorities include expanding trade, developing the halal economy, advancing green and blue economies, enhancing connectivity and the digital economy, and driving organizational reform.

Indonesia had been scheduled to host the D-8 Summit on April 15, preceded by meetings of senior officials and foreign ministers. While the summit is postponed, Jakarta’s agenda remains intact, underscoring its role in shaping cooperation among developing nations amid global uncertainties. ***