United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19 to bolster cooperation and acknowledge the nation’s significant role in UN peacekeeping efforts. This visit underscores Indonesia’s contribution to global peace and security, with more than 50,000 of its personnel having served in UN missions worldwide as of February 2026.
During his stay, Guterres will engage with personnel at Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training center. These peacekeepers are preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Secretary-General will also honor Indonesian peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for international peacekeeping.
Guterres’s visit is particularly timely following the tragic deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon earlier this year. These personnel, part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, were killed in attacks in southern Lebanon in March and April 2026. Preliminary UN investigations suggest that one of the incidents was linked to Israeli tank fire, while the other was likely caused by an improvised explosive device attributed to Hezbollah.
In addition to his engagements with peacekeepers, Guterres is set to deliver a keynote address at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry. His speech will focus on the future of multilateralism, a critical topic as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and global challenges. The discussion will highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.
This visit also aligns with Indonesia’s aspirations to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. As a potential member of the 15-member council, Indonesia aims to play a pivotal role in maintaining international peace and security, including the authorization of peacekeeping missions and the imposition of sanctions.