On May 28, 2024, GNFI and Seasia had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Egypt in Jakarta, along with 60 other participants, as part of an embassy visit program.
This event was more than just an act of people-to-people diplomacy—it was a journey through time, inviting participants to delve into Egypt’s ancient heritage while also witnessing the forward-looking ambitions of a nation growing ever more progressive.
Timeless Legacy Behind Embassy Walls
The event began with a guided tour of the embassy’s mini museum. Here, participants were invited to explore the richness of ancient Egyptian civilization through various replicas of iconic artifacts.
One of the most captivating displays was the Rosetta Stone, an ancient inscription that became the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. The stone contains the same text written in three scripts: hieroglyphic, Demotic, and ancient Greek.
Nearby stood a replica of the goddess Selket, the protective deity of King Tutankhamun. She is depicted as a woman with a scorpion atop her head and arms open wide, as if offering a gentle embrace. In Egyptian mythology, Selket is known as the goddess of healing and guardian of life—a symbol of both tenderness and strength.
Another highlight was the replica of King Tutankhamun’s face and golden mask of King Tutankhamun. This iconic artifact is widely recognized from history books, documentaries, and even pop culture.
The youthful face, with its delicate features adorned in gold and blue, represents not only the artistic brilliance of ancient Egypt but also their spiritual beliefs surrounding the afterlife. The mask was crafted to help the king’s spirit recognize his body and return to it peacefully.
A Majestic Showcase of Egypt’s History
In the interactive video session that followed, participants were introduced to the ambitious Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) project. Scheduled to officially open on July 3, 2025, GEM is set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world.
Built on a 50-hectare site near the Giza Pyramids, the museum will house over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Some sections of the museum have already been accessible to the public since October 2024, but the grand opening—featuring the full Tutankhamun galleries—is expected to be a major cultural milestone in the coming year.
Special Session with the Egyptian Ambassador
The visit became even more engaging with a Q&A session led directly by the Ambassador of Egypt to Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Yasser Hassan Farag Elshemy. In a warm and open atmosphere, participants were invited to interact and ask questions about Egypt’s vision for the future.
One compelling question came from participant Gil Ramadhan, who asked how Egypt is working to shape a modern, progressive national image—beyond the well-known icons like the pyramids and the Sphinx.
In response, Ambassador Elshemy emphasized Egypt’s efforts to modernize and diversify its global image by highlighting the country’s advancements in technology and energy.
"Egypt highlights many aspects in the digital economy. Egypt is the only country in the Middle East which acquire to facilities for LNG and the only exporter to Europe, southern and central Europe," he explained.
He went on to outline Egypt’s progressive moves in energy and transportation infrastructure. "We are shifting from diesel to electric. Our high-speed rail will operate next year, and we are currently building six high-speed train lines in partnership with Siemens," he added.
Additionally, Egypt is currently constructing its first nuclear reactor in the region—an ambitious step toward energy independence.
An Educational Bond Through the Ages
The relationship between Indonesia and Egypt goes beyond formal diplomacy—it is also deeply rooted in culture and education.
Did you know that Indonesian students have been studying in Egypt, particularly in Cairo, for more than 4,000 years? This long-standing connection began in the early days of civilization and continues today with a new generation of Indonesian scholars at Al-Azhar University.
Ambassador Elshemy shared that Indonesia currently has the largest number of foreign students enrolled at Al-Azhar, with over 50,000 students.
Although globally known as a center for Islamic studies, Al-Azhar also offers scholarships for general fields like medicine and science—showcasing Egypt’s openness to the advancement of knowledge across disciplines, not just in religious studies.
Where to Next? The Journey Continues
So, where will GNFI and Seasia head for their next embassy visit? One thing is certain: every visit brings stories, insights, and extraordinary opportunities.
Make sure you’re part of the next journey!
