Indonesia has been appointed President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2026, marking a historic first since the body was established in 2006. The appointment coincides with the Council’s 20th anniversary and signals renewed international confidence in Indonesia’s diplomatic role within multilateral institutions.
The decision was formalized during the UNHRC organizational meeting in Geneva on January 8, 2026, following Indonesia’s nomination by the Asia-Pacific Group (APG). The nomination came after a regional vote in which Indonesia secured strong backing, reflecting broad support for its leadership credentials and experience in global diplomacy.
Officials credit the outcome to sustained and coordinated diplomatic efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Indonesia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva played a central role, supported by diplomatic missions in New York and other capitals, alongside engagement with foreign representatives in Jakarta to consolidate regional consensus.
The presidency will be held by Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. A senior diplomat, he previously served as Director General for ASEAN Cooperation and as Indonesia’s ambassador to India and Bhutan. In 2026, he will preside over all Council sessions and oversee discussions in line with the UNHRC’s annual program of work.
The government has framed its leadership under the theme “A Presidency for All,” emphasizing inclusivity, trust-building, and cross-regional dialogue. Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia is committed to leading the Council in an impartial, objective, and transparent manner while promoting constructive engagement among all stakeholders.
The UN Human Rights Council functions as a global forum for dialogue on human rights, adopts resolutions, responds to urgent human rights crises, reviews the records of member states, and appoints independent experts to monitor country situations.
Despite the diplomatic milestone, Indonesia’s appointment has drawn scrutiny from civil society groups. Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid expressed skepticism over expectations tied to the role, pointing to Indonesia’s recent human rights record, which he described as problematic, including cases of activists and citizens being imprisoned for participating in demonstrations.
Still, Hamid said the presidency could serve as a test of Indonesia’s seriousness in advancing human rights standards. He argued that public evaluation should focus on whether Indonesia actively encourages UN independent experts and special rapporteurs to visit the country and conduct objective assessments of human rights conditions.
From the government’s perspective, the presidency represents a strategic achievement. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said the nomination resulted from measured and discreet diplomacy.
“This approach was pursued not through public rhetoric, but through strengthening bilateral relations, substantive dialogue, and consolidating trust,” Pigai said, as quoted by VOI.
Indonesia secured 34 of 47 votes during the APG meeting in Geneva in December 2025, outperforming Thailand and clearing the path to its nomination. Officials describe the result as recognition of Indonesia’s role as a bridge builder capable of fostering dialogue amid an increasingly polarized global environment.
As it assumes the UNHRC presidency in 2026, Indonesia now faces heightened expectations—not only to guide global human rights discussions, but also to demonstrate credibility through openness, dialogue, and consistent engagement at home and abroad.
Source: Kemlu, Kompas, VOI
Photo Credit: Getty Images via BBC Indonesia
