United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended Indonesia for its significant role in international cooperation and global peacekeeping initiatives. Speaking at the Foreign Policy Circle Talks in Jakarta, Guterres emphasized Indonesia’s contributions to multilateralism and its active participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, the G20, and BRICS.
Guterres highlighted Indonesia’s historical and ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and among the Global South. He recalled Indonesia’s pivotal role in hosting the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, which championed non-alignment and the principle of national self-determination.
In his address, Guterres also underscored the collaboration between ASEAN and the UN in areas like conflict prevention, sustainable development, and human rights. This partnership has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and cooperation across different nations and regions.
A significant part of Guterres’ praise was directed at Indonesia’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, nearly 2,000 Indonesian military and police personnel are serving in seven different UN missions worldwide. 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. He lauded their training efforts and the country’s commitment to maintaining international peace.
Guterres’ acknowledgment of Indonesia’s diplomatic engagement and peacekeeping efforts highlights the country’s growing influence in promoting global dialogue and cooperation. Through these contributions, Indonesia continues to strengthen its position as a key player in fostering international peace and stability.