United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19 to bolster cooperation with the country and acknowledge its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. During his visit, Guterres plans to meet 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 in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Additionally, he will honor Indonesian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.
This visit takes place in the wake of the tragic deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers who were serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon earlier this year. The incidents in March and April 2026 were linked to Israeli tank fire and an improvised explosive device, which preliminary UN findings suggest may have been planted by Hezbollah.
Guterres is also expected to deliver a speech at Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on the future of multilateralism. His address will emphasize the critical importance of international cooperation in the face of ongoing global conflicts and challenges.
Indonesia has a longstanding history of participation in UN peacekeeping missions, with over 50,000 Indonesian personnel having served worldwide as of February 2026. Their contributions include providing operational support and civilian protection in various international missions.
The visit occurs as Indonesia campaigns for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term. The 15-member council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has the authority to authorize peacekeeping missions and impose sanctions.