United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19, focusing on strengthening cooperation with Jakarta and acknowledging the nation’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. This visit underscores Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to international peace efforts.
During his visit, Guterres plans to engage with personnel at Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission training centre. These individuals 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 died while serving under the UN flag.
The trip follows the tragic deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers involved with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. These fatalities occurred in attacks in southern Lebanon during March and April 2026. Preliminary UN investigations have suggested connections between one incident and Israeli tank fire, while another attack is attributed to an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah.
Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a speech at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on the future of multilateralism. His address will highlight the crucial role of international cooperation in addressing ongoing global conflicts and challenges.
Indonesia has a long-standing history of participation in UN peacekeeping missions, having contributed over 50,000 personnel to various operations worldwide as of February 2026. These peacekeepers play vital roles in providing operational support and civilian protection in international missions.
This visit coincides with Indonesia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. The Security Council holds the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, which includes authorizing peacekeeping missions and imposing sanctions.