Indonesia and Egypt: From Historic Friendship to Global South Leadership

I believe Indonesia and Egypt have far more in common than their economic relationship currently reflects. We share a history of struggle against colonialism, societies deeply rooted in faith and culture, and an ambition to advance while safeguarding our sovereignty. Both nations also face the same fundamental question: how do we turn our strategic positions and considerable national potential into prosperity that people can feel in their everyday lives?

I therefore see President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit and his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on October 11, 2026, as an opportunity to give fresh substance to an enduring friendship. This encounter opens the way for Indonesia and Egypt to build a more influential partnership in the economics and diplomacy of the Global South.

To me, the strength of the Global South rests on the ability of developing countries to expand their choices, strengthen their productive capacity, and help shape the rules that influence their future. Indonesia and Egypt have the foundations to pursue that role together.

Our relationship carries historical depth. Egypt’s support for Indonesia’s independence struggle established a foundation of trust that remains meaningful today. President Prabowo reaffirmed the significance of that support during the meeting. Such historical trust is a valuable diplomatic asset, particularly when relations between countries are increasingly shaped by short-term interests.

Our generation has a responsibility to translate this inheritance into tangible economic benefits and meaningful international influence.

The elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in April 2025 established a framework for doing so. Its scope encompasses politics, economics, security, defence, education, culture, and connections between our peoples. The next challenge is to ensure that this broad agenda is supported by clear priorities, accountable institutions, and measurable results.

Indonesia and Egypt also share an important geographical advantage. Both sit at the crossroads of regions and global trade routes. Egypt’s Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, while Indonesia lies between the Indian and Pacific oceans. These positions give both countries a substantial stake in maritime security, the uninterrupted flow of commerce, and international stability.

In my view, countries situated at the world’s crossroads have a responsibility to keep it connected. When conflict disrupts trade, the effects quickly reach shipping costs, food prices, energy supplies, and household purchasing power. Peace diplomacy therefore has a direct economic purpose.

Another common ground lies in our development needs. Indonesia and Egypt both need to create productive employment, strengthen industry, improve skills, and ensure that growth benefits society broadly. This is where South–South cooperation can become more substantive: helping one another build the capabilities needed to move towards higher-value economic activity.

The bilateral trade target of US$5 billion by 2030, as outlined by President El-Sisi, deserves support. I would like to see this ambition generate deeper production and investment ties. Trade becomes more resilient when it is supported by companies that invest, develop technology, and create value in both countries.

The proposition that Egypt can serve as a gateway to Arab, African, and European markets also needs to become a detailed business strategy. Opportunities must be assessed against product requirements, rules of origin, technical standards, logistics costs, and distribution networks. Equally, Indonesia can be a partner for Egyptian companies seeking to expand their presence in Southeast Asia.

First, we should build industrial partnerships that connect downstream processing with market demand. Joint projects should begin with buyers’ needs, commercial viability, and a clear understanding of the capabilities each partner brings. Food processing, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing deserve careful exploration. Success should be measured by investment delivered, jobs created, and technological capabilities strengthened.

Second, digital cooperation should help broaden economic participation. Simpler trade documentation, stronger customs services, and the exchange of experience in digital public services can reduce the cost of doing business. For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, easier and more transparent procedures are often just as important as access to new markets.

Third, we should deepen cooperation in education, skills, and tourism. Cultural affinity and longstanding scholarly connections provide a foundation for stronger university partnerships, vocational education, applied research, and entrepreneurship. Both countries also possess extraordinary civilisational heritage that can support joint tourism promotion and improvements in visitor services.

As a member of the business community, I believe the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KADIN, can contribute by connecting companies whose needs and capabilities complement one another. Business forums should produce a pipeline of projects ready for assessment, clearly identified partners, and practical follow-up on financing and regulatory barriers. Economic diplomacy becomes meaningful when businesses can turn opportunities into operating ventures.

At the same time, this partnership should preserve the breadth of both countries’ international engagement. The Global South encompasses countries with diverse interests. Effective cooperation must respect those differences while building common ground around sovereignty, development, the diplomatic resolution of conflict, and a fairer international order.

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For Indonesia, our independent and active foreign policy provides a foundation for cultivating broad friendships while retaining the freedom to make our own decisions. Closer relations with Egypt can strengthen our ability to encourage dialogue across regions and connect Asian interests with those of Africa and the Arab world.

I believe Indonesia and Egypt can become two important drivers of a more confident and productive Global South. Their leadership should be measured by their ability to deliver solutions: expanding trade, building industries, improving skills, and sustaining the conditions for peace.

History has given us a foundation of trust. Our responsibility now is to build upon it, so that the friendship between Indonesia and Egypt creates prosperity for both peoples and strengthens their contribution to the world.