Permanent Representative, His Excellency Achsanul Habib and the team at the Indonesian Mission on how Indonesia plays a vital role in multilateral diplomacy to the United Nations in Geneva.
What are the main priorities of Indonesia’s Mission to the UN Office in Geneva?
Indonesia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, WTO, and other International Organizations in Geneva represents Indonesia’s interests on global issues. Led by chargé d’affaires ad interim, Ambassador Achsanul Habib, the Mission ensures Indonesia’s priorities are promoted in international policy discussions and decision-making processes.
One key area is trade diplomacy. As coordinator of the G-33 group at the WTO, Indonesia advocates for fairer trade rules that protect the interests of developing countries, especially in agriculture. It also supports reforms in dispute settlement and promotes digital trade. Within UNCTAD, Indonesia highlights the importance of inclusive trade, fair market access, and South-South cooperation to reduce inequality.
Indonesia contributes to international peace and security through its active role in disarmament forums, particularly the Conference on Disarmament, in line with the national constitution’s mandate for maintaining a world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.
Indonesia also champions human rights in a balanced and constructive way. It supports the right to development, religious freedom, and anti-discrimination, and consistently voices support for the rights of the Palestinian people. It encourages constructive dialogue instead of politicizing human rights issues.
Health diplomacy is a top priority. In 2024, Indonesia pledged $30 million each to WHO and Gavi to improve access to vaccines and medical tools. It is also involved in negotiating the new Pandemic Agreement to strengthen global health systems and preparedness.
In digital diplomacy, Indonesia chairs the G77 and China Digital Working Group and bridges international discussions on the Global Digital Compact, ensuring developing countries are not left behind in the digital era. On environmental issues, Indonesia participates in international agreements such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions. It promotes the principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and the Right to Development, ensuring environmental policies remain fair and inclusive.
How has Indonesia shown leadership in multilateral forums in Geneva?
Indonesia has consistently taken leadership roles in Geneva’s multilateral institutions, showing its active role in shaping global policies.
As President of UNCTAD, Indonesia promoted trade policies that empower developing nations and close economic gaps. In 2024, Indonesia chaired the Conference on Disarmament, and with the support of UNODA, initiated thematic discussions on the effective functioning of the Conference and measures to reduce distrust and build confidence—a historic first that helped restart meaningful dialogue.
As Vice President of the Human Rights Council in 2024, Indonesia supported resolutions that protect labor rights, peaceful protest, anti-corruption efforts, and access to medicines. It promotes capacity-building and collaboration instead of confrontation.
Indonesia led negotiations to update the International Health Regulations, adopted in 2024, and continues to contribute to the new Pandemic Agreement. These efforts aim to make the world better prepared for future health emergencies.
In humanitarian law, Indonesia co-chairs efforts to modernize rules on naval warfare. At WIPO, it led the Like-Minded Countries in reaching consensus on the 2024 GRATK Treaty, which protects traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
At the ILO, Indonesia advocates democratic reforms and equal rights and has contributed to labor support in Palestine through the Emergency Program Response. These roles demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to fairness, peace, and inclusive diplomacy.
How is Indonesia supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Indonesia has integrated the SDGs into national policy through the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and Presidential Regulation No. 59/2017. These frameworks guide development efforts aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
In collaboration with the UN, especially UNDP, Indonesia runs programs that support multiple SDGs. ‘Makan Bergizi Gratis,’ or MBG (free nutritious meal), improves child nutrition, enhances learning, and reduces family costs (SDGs 1, 2, 4). ‘Cek Kesehatan Gratis,’ or ‘CKG’ (free health check-up) program, improves access to early health detection (SDG 3), especially in remote and under-resourced areas.
Indonesia is also a pioneer in sustainable finance. It issued Southeast Asia’s first SDG Bond in 2021 and launched Blue Bonds to support marine conservation and sustainable development. These tools help mobilize resources for social and environmental progress.
Despite global setbacks in achieving the SDGs, Indonesia continues to show leadership through innovation, inclusive programs, and global partnerships.
What is Indonesia’s role in ASEAN diplomacy and regional peace?
Indonesia plays a central role in ASEAN, supporting peace, security, and integration in Southeast Asia. Its foreign policy emphasizes independence, active engagement, and regional leadership.
As ASEAN Chair in 2023, Indonesia promoted institutional reform and better crisis response, focusing on regional unity in the face of global challenges. It also supports peaceful resolution of disputes through the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
Indonesia consistently pushes for nuclear disarmament through the SEANWFZ Treaty and encourages nuclear weapons states to sign its protocol. These efforts reflect its commitment to a peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
In Geneva, Indonesia represents ASEAN in labor-related discussions. With the ILO, it works to improve worker protection, safety standards, and skills development, especially for migrant workers. Indonesia’s leadership ensures ASEAN speaks with one voice and contributes actively in multilateral forums.
How is Indonesia balancing development with sustainability?
To support its Vision 2045 goals, Indonesia is adopting a sustainable growth strategy that includes green, blue, and circular economies. These approaches are designed to reduce emissions, protect resources, and ensure long-term prosperity.
The green economy supports renewable energy, low-carbon industries, and the creation of green jobs. The Blue Economy Roadmap encourages the sustainable use of ocean resources, marine protection, and eco-tourism. Circular economy principles reduce waste and encourage reuse and recycling.
To finance these efforts, Indonesia has issued SDG and Blue Bonds to attract investments for climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable infrastructure. These instruments help drive growth while also ensuring transparency and accountability in development finance.
By aligning growth with sustainability, Indonesia is building a resilient, fair, and environmentally friendly economy.
How does Indonesia support gender equality and women’s empowerment at the UN?
Indonesia is a strong voice for gender equality and the rights of women and girls. It upholds its international commitments, including CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration, and translates them into real action.
Indonesia actively contributes to the UN Commission on the Status of Women and supports UN Women’s work. It promotes gender equality across peacebuilding, development, humanitarian response, and climate action.
Through the Women, Peace and Security agenda, Indonesia supports women’s leadership in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. It emphasizes protecting women during crises and promoting their roles in recovery efforts.
Indonesia also promotes economic empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and improved access to finance. Programs support women-led businesses, especially in rural and digital sectors, and advocate for more women in STEM fields.
Its diplomatic style is inclusive and respectful. By building consensus and understanding, Indonesia helps ensure gender equality stays at the heart of global efforts and supports broader goals of sustainable development.