D-8 Chair: Indonesia Continues to Push for De-Escalation in the Middle East to Prevent a Wider Conflict
Jakarta — The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kemlu) has said that Indonesia, as chair of the Developing Eight (D-8), continues to push for de-escalation to prevent the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel from widening. ‘As D-8 Chair, RI also continues to stress the importance of de-escalation and urges all parties to exercise restraint,’ said Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang at a media briefing in Jakarta on Friday. Yvonne said that Indonesia consistently maintains communication with all other D-8 members, particularly regarding the dynamics of the situation currently unfolding.
Separately, regarding preparations for the D-8 Summit in Jakarta in April, she stated that preparations for the agenda are proceeding in line with plan. ‘To date, Indonesia continues to undertake the necessary preparations and remains in communication with all D-8 members,’ she added.
The D-8 is an economic cooperation organisation of developing countries comprising Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Azerbaijan became the newest member of D-8 in December 2024.
As the apex of its chairmanship, Indonesia will host the 12th D-8 Summit in Jakarta in April 2026, to be preceded by a meeting of senior officials and a meeting of foreign ministers.
The D-8 Summit carries the theme ‘Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.’
‘With regard to D-8, we would like this important organisation to stand firmly and clearly condemn the attack that occurred by the United States and Israel against our country,’ said Ambassador Boroujerdi at a press conference at the Iranian ambassador’s official residence in Jakarta on Monday, March 2. Ambassador Boroujerdi hopes that the D-8 organisation can stand on the right side of history and issue a serious condemnatory statement against the attack that has occurred in Iran.