During a recent visit to Jakarta, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended Indonesia for its significant role in fostering international cooperation and contributing to global peacekeeping efforts. Speaking at the Foreign Policy Circle Talks, Guterres emphasized Indonesia’s diplomatic influence in the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South, noting its historical contribution to the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, which championed non-alignment and national self-determination.

Guterres highlighted Indonesia’s active participation in several international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, the G20, and BRICS. He praised the collaborative efforts between ASEAN and the UN in areas such as conflict prevention, sustainable development, and human rights, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to multilateralism.

A significant portion of Guterres’s remarks focused on Indonesia’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. With nearly 2,000 Indonesian military and police personnel deployed across seven missions worldwide, Indonesia plays a vital role in maintaining global peace and security. Guterres visited a peacekeeping training center in Sentul, West Java, where he met with Indonesian personnel preparing for deployment to the UN mission in the Central African Republic.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s dedication to training and preparing its peacekeepers, noting that these efforts enhance the country’s ability to promote dialogue and cooperation across nations and regions. This commitment to international peacekeeping solidifies Indonesia’s position as an important partner in global peace efforts.