United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is in Indonesia from October 17 to 19, aiming to bolster multilateral cooperation and acknowledge Indonesia’s significant role in UN peacekeeping missions. His visit underscores Indonesia’s ongoing contributions to global peace, as the country has deployed over 50,000 personnel to various UN operations worldwide as of February 2026.
During his stay, Guterres will visit Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training center, where personnel are preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This visit also serves as an opportunity for Guterres to honor Indonesian peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.
The visit holds particular poignance following the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon earlier this year. These deaths occurred during attacks in southern Lebanon in March and April 2026, with preliminary UN findings attributing one incident to Israeli tank fire and another to an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah.
In addition to his engagements with peacekeeping personnel, Guterres is scheduled to deliver a speech at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry. His address will focus on the future of multilateralism, emphasizing the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing ongoing conflicts and global challenges.
Indonesia’s commitment to peacekeeping is further highlighted by its current campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. The 15-member council plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, including the authorization of peacekeeping missions and the imposition of sanctions.
