United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19 to bolster cooperation with Jakarta and honor the nation’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. This visit underscores Indonesia’s extensive history in peacekeeping efforts, with over 50,000 personnel having served in various operations worldwide as of February 2026.
During his stay, Guterres is set to engage with personnel at Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training center. These personnel are preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA). His visit will also include a tribute to Indonesian peacekeepers who have died while serving under the UN flag, highlighting their sacrifices and the challenges faced in peacekeeping missions.
The visit comes in the wake of the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers who were serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. They were tragically killed in attacks in southern Lebanon during March and April 2026, with preliminary UN findings linking one incident to Israeli tank fire and another to an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah. These incidents underscore the dangers peacekeepers face in volatile regions.
Guterres is also expected to deliver a speech at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on the future of multilateralism. He will address the critical role of international cooperation amid ongoing global conflicts and challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and security.
Indonesia is currently seeking election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. This ambition aligns with the nation’s long-standing commitment to international peace and security, as the Security Council is responsible for authorizing peacekeeping missions and imposing sanctions to maintain global stability.