Indonesia Elected as President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesia has officially been selected by the member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) to be nominated as the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2026.

In his statement to the media, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this determination reflects the confidence of countries in the Asia Pacific region in Indonesia's role and leadership in advancing the human rights agenda at the global level.

The nomination for the 2026 President of the UN Human Rights Council will be determined in the Human Rights Council Meeting on January 8, 2026, said the ministry as quoted (24/12).

Later, the post will be held by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.

In that capacity, Indonesia will lead the way in the UN Human Rights Council's sessions and processes throughout 2026 in an objective, inclusive and balanced manner, the ministry said.

Previously, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, told VOI.id some time ago, Indonesia carried out an impartial, objective and transparent leadership priority in the nomination of the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026 period.

"Indonesia carries the theme 'A Presidency for All', with priorities: impartial, objective, transparent leadership, strengthening dialogue and consensus, efficiency and rationalization of the Human Rights Council's work, strengthening technical cooperation, and bringing a perspective of developing countries and Asia Pacific," explained Yvonne.

Indonesia itself is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026. Based on the regional rotation mechanism, the Asia-Pacific Group will take the turn to hold the Presidency of the Human Rights Council in the 20th cycle in 2026, so that the appointment of Indonesia is in line with the regional arrangements that have been agreed upon.

The broad support of the Asia Pacific countries for Indonesia is driven by Indonesia's track record as a bridge builder in human rights issues, its position as an independent developing country that is not affiliated with the interests of certain blocs, and Indonesia's consistent commitment to fighting for humanitarian issues in various parts of the world.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Indonesia's election as President of the UN Human Rights Council strengthened Indonesia's human rights diplomacy profile and at the same time confirmed Indonesia's leadership at the international level.

Indonesian leadership in 2026 also coincides with the momentum of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council. This momentum can be used to encourage the strengthening of international human rights governance that is more inclusive, constructive, and oriented towards dialogue and cooperation.

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia expresses its appreciation and thanks for the trust and support of all member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) to Indonesia as President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026.

"Indonesia is committed to carrying out this mandate in a professional, transparent, and based on the spirit of multilateral cooperation for the advancement and protection of human rights for all," the ministry said.