United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19, focusing on strengthening multilateral cooperation and acknowledging Indonesia’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts. The visit underscores Indonesia’s role in global peacekeeping, with over 50,000 Indonesian personnel having served in various UN missions worldwide as of February 2026.
During his trip, Guterres is set to engage with personnel at Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training centre. These individuals are preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission. This engagement highlights the ongoing commitment and readiness of Indonesian forces in contributing to international stability and security.
Guterres will honor Indonesian peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag, including four who died in southern Lebanon while part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. According to preliminary UN findings, these deaths were linked to incidents involving Israeli tank fire and an improvised explosive device potentially planted by Hezbollah.
The visit also includes a scheduled speech at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, where Guterres will discuss the future of multilateralism. He intends to emphasize the critical nature of international cooperation amidst the current global conflicts and challenges.
Indonesia’s aspirations for a greater role in international diplomacy are evident as the country seeks election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. This 15-member council holds significant responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including the authority to authorize peacekeeping missions and impose sanctions.