Indonesia's nomination to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2026 marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the archipelago nation.
The Asia–Pacific caucus officially nominated Indonesia for the council's presidency, with the Foreign Ministry stating this reflects strong regional support for the country's capacity to advance global human rights.
Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Indonesia's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, is expected to chair all council sessions next year if the nomination receives endorsement at the January 8, 2026 meeting.
The ministry emphasized Indonesia's track record as a "bridge builder" on human rights issues and its position as an independent developing country not aligned with major power blocs, which helped secure broad regional backing for the role.
However, Indonesia's leadership position faces scrutiny under President Prabowo Subianto, a former military general whose administration has appointed former rights commissioner Natalius Pigai as human rights minister—a role critics view as largely symbolic amid concerns about the nation's current human rights trajectory.
