By: Ricky Rinaldi )*
President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the Middle East, especially Egypt, in April 2025 is not just an ordinary diplomatic visit. Amidst the dynamics of global geopolitics that continue to move, Indonesia shows its position as a country that is not only strong domestically, but also actively establishes strategic partnerships at the international level. This visit marks a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Egypt that have existed for a long time, and have now been brought to the level of strategic partnership.
President Prabowo met directly with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Al Ittihadiyah Palace, Cairo. The meeting resulted in a joint statement to form the Indonesia-Egypt Strategic Partnership, which is a manifestation of high-level political commitment from both countries. Not only symbolic, this partnership is designed as a platform to strengthen concrete cooperation in various sectors, from the economy, defense, education, to culture.
President Prabowo explained that Egypt has a special meaning for Indonesia because it is the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence. He sees that this history must be used as a foundation for expanding profitable cooperation in the future. He also emphasized the importance of improving economic relations by utilizing the great potential of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which he said could be a strategic gateway for Indonesian products to the African and European markets.
The President said that Indonesia wants to strengthen partnerships in the logistics and infrastructure sectors with Egypt, because this will expand Indonesia’s international connectivity. In the bilateral meeting, Prabowo emphasized that trade relations should not stagnate, but must be developed with a mutually beneficial and sustainable approach.
In addition, cooperation in the fields of education and defense also received special attention. When visiting the Egyptian Military Academy, Prabowo stated that collaboration between military institutions was not only about procuring the main weapons system, but also the exchange of knowledge and training. He considered that the development of human resources in the defense sector was the key to the independence and professionalism of the Indonesian military in the future.
No less important, the two countries agreed to strengthen moderate Islamic values and work together to prevent extremism. For Prabowo, this is an important step to maintain regional stability and strengthen Indonesia’s position as a country with the largest Muslim population that upholds tolerance and peace.
President Prabowo’s steps have received appreciation from various parties. Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Yusuf Permana, explained that the signing of the Strategic Partnership was an important milestone in Indonesian diplomacy. He said that the decision to sign the agreement directly by the two heads of state reflected a high level of seriousness in strengthening bilateral relations.
According to Yusuf, this visit not only strengthens economic and investment cooperation, but also paves the way for student exchanges, higher education collaboration, and cultural diplomacy. He assessed that under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia has shown a commitment to expanding global cooperation networks with a pragmatic and progressive approach.
Yusuf also emphasized that Indonesia’s presence in international forums such as the 11th Developing Eight (D-8) Summit further emphasizes Indonesia’s position as a leader among developing countries. He said that Indonesia’s leadership in the D-8 for the 2026–2027 period reflects global trust in the direction of Indonesia’s increasingly inclusive and constructive foreign diplomacy.
President Prabowo encouraged cooperation in technology and resource management between members. He considered that developing countries have great potential to grow together if they build collaboration based on the principles of justice and equality. The message was well received by the leaders of other countries who attended the summit.
Prabowo did not only talk about foreign strategy, but also practiced it with concrete steps. He showed that a country like Indonesia can play an important role in the global arena, not as a follower, but as an initiator of cross-regional cooperation.
The President’s straightforward, bold approach and respect for diplomatic values are characteristics of the new direction of Indonesian foreign policy. This visit to Egypt strengthens Indonesia’s image as a reliable partner, not only in Southeast Asia, but also in the Middle East and Africa. This is part of the Prabowo government’s grand vision to realize Indonesia as a new middle power on the global stage.
In the midst of rapid changes in the world, Indonesiaunder Prabowo’s leadership, diplomacy is not only about maintaining good relations, but also about creating new opportunities. The visit to Egypt is a reflection that Prabowo is ready to make Indonesia a country that actively determines the direction of history, not just following it.
By building a strategic partnership that is rooted in history, but oriented towards the future, Prabowo is emphasizing one thing: Indonesia is ready to be a bridge between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. And in this increasingly connected world, whoever is able to establish cooperation from the start will become the leader of the future.
*) Strategic Issue Observer
