Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto participated in the D-8 Summit in Egypt from Tuesday to Thursday, Dec. 17–19, 2024. The meeting is a routine agenda for D-8 member states to discuss various significant issues concerning interstate interests.
Key issues discussed in the meeting included trade between member nations, MSME empowerment, and cooperation in technology and sustainable development. Looking more closely, the D-8 Summit in Egypt was not just about discussions between state leaders but also featured an interesting element: the display of the grandeur of Egypt's new capital.
The 2024 D-8 Summit was held at the Presidential Palace in the New Administrative Capital. The capital is a city built by Egypt to replace Cairo as the center of government. President Prabowo and other D-8 leaders were surrounded by the grand atmosphere of the city and palace.
The Egyptian government has been developing the ambitious New Administrative Capital project since 2016 to alleviate severe congestion in the increasingly dense city of Cairo. This strategic move was taken especially as Greater Cairo's population is projected to surge from 18 million to 40 million by 2050. Furthermore, according to official information from the Egyptian government, the city's presence is expected to strengthen and diversify the country's economic potential. By creating new hubs for living, working, and tourism, the economy is expected to turn.
Located approximately 45 kilometers east of Cairo, the new capital occupies a strategic position along the corridor toward the Red Sea, which connects to major international shipping routes. Within a 700-square-kilometer area, a new administrative and financial center accommodated ministries and foreign embassies. However, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) is currently still located in Cairo, specifically in Qasr El Nil.
With a capacity of up to seven million residents, the area transforms previously undeveloped land into a projected focal point for growth in the Eastern Egypt region. Under a smart city theme, various facilities are provided, including educational institutions, hospitals, and a large theme park. Additionally, supporting infrastructures, such as an electric train connected to Cairo, an international airport, and solar farms, are in place. This transformation is tangible proof of Egypt's ambition to develop its territory to enhance the future quality of life for its people.
Indonesia is pursuing a similar path by developing the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). As is known, the Indonesian government began construction of IKN in East Kalimantan in 2022. The considerations behind it are similar to those for Egypt's New Administrative Capital, with Indonesia seeking to promote economic equality and reduce the burden on an overpopulated Jakarta while addressing environmental issues such as flooding and land subsidence.
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