United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended Indonesia for its significant contributions to global peace and multilateral cooperation during his recent visit to Jakarta. Speaking at the Foreign Policy Circle Talks, Guterres emphasized Indonesia’s active role in international diplomacy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South.
Guterres highlighted Indonesia’s historical significance, citing the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, which advocated for non-alignment and national self-determination. He acknowledged Indonesia’s active participation in major international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, the G20, and BRICS, and praised its collaborative efforts with ASEAN in areas like conflict prevention, sustainable development, and human rights.
A key focus of Guterres’ remarks was Indonesia’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions. With nearly 2,000 Indonesian military and police personnel deployed across seven missions worldwide, Indonesia’s commitment to peacekeeping operations was underscored. During a visit to a peacekeeping training center in Sentul, West Java, Guterres met with Indonesian personnel preparing for deployment to the UN mission in the Central African Republic, lauding their training and dedication.
Guterres noted that Indonesia’s diplomatic engagements and peacekeeping efforts significantly bolster its role in fostering dialogue and cooperation globally. By strengthening international ties and supporting multilateral initiatives, Indonesia continues to act as a vital proponent of global peace and cooperation, according to the UN chief.