United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19 to enhance cooperation with Jakarta and acknowledge the country’s significant role in UN peacekeeping operations. This visit highlights Indonesia’s longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, with over 50,000 Indonesian personnel having participated in missions worldwide as of February 2026.
During his stay, Guterres is scheduled to meet with personnel at Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training center, who are preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA). He will also pay homage to Indonesian peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, underscoring the risks involved in peacekeeping missions.
This visit comes in the wake of the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. These casualties occurred during attacks in southern Lebanon in March and April 2026. Preliminary findings from the UN suggest that one incident was linked to Israeli tank fire, while another involved an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah.
Additionally, Guterres is expected to deliver an address at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry focusing on the future of multilateralism. In his speech, he will emphasize the necessity of international cooperation amidst ongoing global conflicts and challenges.
Indonesia’s dedication to the UN peacekeeping missions also aligns with its aspirations to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. The 15-member council plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security, including the authorization of peacekeeping missions and the imposition of sanctions.