D-8 Summit in Indonesia Postponed Due to War in the Middle East

Ambassador Tri Tharyat (holding microphone). (VOI/Fauzi)

JAKARTA - The D-8 cooperation organization summit (KTT) which was originally scheduled to be held in Indonesia next month, has been postponed until an unspecified deadline, following the escalation situation in the Middle East region related to the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel.

Director General of Multilateral Cooperation of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tri Tharyat, said that by observing the situation that has occurred since February 28, the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which until now have not shown any escalation.

"Last night the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia signed a letter to his partners containing the postponement of the D8 Summit and all its activities," explained Ambassador Tri in a press statement at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday (13/3).

Ambassador Tri explained that it was taken after coordination and consultation steps were taken, including talking to the Secretary-General of D-8, commissioners, as well as communications made by Indonesian ambassadors in D-8 member countries.

This information, according to him, has been received by all member countries and can be understood as the best way. Ambassador Tri ensured that this had been discussed together by all member countries, who also provided input, understanding the current situation.

"Regarding the determination of the next date, of course we will discuss in more detail in due course, at this time it is not the time, because the developments continue in the Middle East, in particular," added Ambassador Tri.

It is known that Indonesia will serve as the President of D-8 starting January 1, 2026. The theme of the Indonesian presidency this time is "Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity."

The 12th D8 Summit will be held in Jakarta on April 15, 2026. It will be preceded by a meeting of commissioners or high officials on April 12-13, as well as a meeting of foreign ministers on April 14. The upcoming summit is expected to produce a "Jakarta Declaration".

In addition, there will also be a special session on Palestine as a form of humanitarian commitment and solidarity. It is also hoped that the special session will be able to produce a "Joint Declaration".

It is also planned to hold a Business and Investment Forum held on April 14, 2026, as well as the D-8 Halal Expo on April 14-16, 2026.