For the first time since the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was established in 2006, Indonesia has been entrusted with the leadership of the world’s most influential human rights body.
This historic milestone is marked by the election of senior Indonesian diplomat Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro as President of the UNHRC for the 2026 term.
On 8 January, the @UN Human Rights Council meets at 10:00 a.m. to:
- elect a 2026 president
- elect the last of 4 vice-presidents for 2026
- adopt a draft 3-year work programme
- select “troikas” for Universal Periodic Review sessions in 2026
WATCH▶️https://t.co/WA0jhwhWPs pic.twitter.com/Snk71zsuth— UN Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC) January 8, 2026
The appointment is far more than a routine annual rotation. In the context of global diplomacy, the presidency of the UNHRC places Indonesia at the center of discussions on some of the world’s most sensitive issues, ranging from armed conflicts and humanitarian crises to debates over universal human rights standards.
Moreover, this leadership coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the UNHRC, giving Indonesia’s role added symbolic and political significance.
Indonesia’s Diplomatic Path to the Presidency
Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro was elected after being nominated as the sole candidate by the Asia-Pacific Group, which includes major countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. In accordance with Council rules, the president is elected for a one-year term by the UNHRC’s 47 member states based in Geneva.
He succeeds the previous president, Jurg Lauber of Switzerland, and will chair the three main UNHRC sessions scheduled for late February, June, and September 2026. In addition, Sidharto will oversee the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the mechanism used to assess the human rights records of all UN member states.
In his official statement following his confirmation, Sidharto emphasized that Indonesia would remain firmly committed to the Council’s core principles.
“We believe that the Council must remain faithful to the core principles of universality, objectivity, and non-selectivity in the consideration of human rights issues, treating all human rights—including the right to development—in a fair and equal manner.”
He further stressed that Indonesia’s step forward to lead the Council is rooted in the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, which aligns with the UN Charter in promoting world peace based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice.
Fun Fact: Indonesia Is Not a Newcomer
Although this marks Indonesia’s first time serving as president, the country is far from a new actor within the UNHRC. Jakarta has been elected to the Council six times, including securing the highest number of votes in the 2023 election with 186 votes. In 2024, Indonesia had already assumed the position of Vice President of the Council.
This track record reinforces Indonesia’s image as a country that consistently positions itself as a “bridge builder.” In a forum that often becomes an arena for mutual accusations among states, Indonesia has emphasized its commitment to engaging in dialogue with all stakeholders—ranging from member states and human rights bodies to regional organizations and civil society.
This approach is also reflected in Indonesia’s stance on ongoing global issues. Regarding the political crisis in Venezuela, the government has stressed that the UNHRC’s focus lies on internal human rights conditions, rather than geopolitical dynamics beyond the Council’s mandate.
While mechanisms such as emergency debates or special sessions remain available, no formal request to activate them has been submitted to date.
Leadership Amid Sensitive Global Issues
As President of the UNHRC, Indonesia will lead a Council confronted with a wide range of complex issues, including racism, environmental protection, economic and social rights, as well as country-specific situations such as Palestine and South Sudan.
On Palestine, Indonesia has reaffirmed its long-standing position in support of protecting the rights of the Palestinian people and upholding international law.
At the same time, Sidharto has expressed his determination to continue the initiatives of his predecessors, including efforts to improve the Council’s working efficiency and to foster an inclusive discussion space that is free from discrimination and welcoming to developing countries and Pacific island states.
