Foreign Ministry Addresses Indonesia's Abstention on Ukraine Ceasefire Resolution
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has commented on the country’s position regarding a ceasefire resolution in Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry stated that it emphasised the need for a more inclusive discussion process in addressing the Ukraine resolution.
“In principle, we are emphasising the inclusivity of the resolution discussion process itself. Since this issue began being discussed at the United Nations, Indonesia has actually been in a position to play a role in ensuring inclusive dialogue, particularly within the UN framework,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela at the Foreign Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).
Nabyl noted that inclusivity has become a developing issue within the United Nations. According to him, inclusivity is important in negotiations regarding the resolution discussion.
“As we know, the UN as an organisation is currently undergoing reform, and one of the issues emphasised in this reform is inclusivity. Therefore, the processes for conducting inclusive negotiations on a resolution draft have become important,” he said.
Another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated that 50 countries abstained in the voting. According to Yvonne, the abstention of 50 countries reflects concern about the UN.
“Fifty countries also abstained. Particularly developing countries and emerging economies took the abstention position, such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, and this also reflects concerns similar to Indonesia regarding the need to prioritise inclusive dialogue as mentioned by the spokesperson earlier and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace,” said Yvonne.
Yvonne stated that Indonesia views the negotiation dialogue regarding the Ukraine war presented by the UN as not yet inclusive in nature. This reason led Indonesia to take an abstention position.
“Unfortunately, according to Indonesia’s position, this was not demonstrated in the resolution draft adoption process, where there was absolutely no room for negotiation regarding the proposed concept. Hence, the abstention position given by Indonesia,” she said.
Previously, the UN General Assembly passed a new resolution calling for comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. The resolution was passed despite being rejected by Russia, with Indonesia and dozens of other countries, including the United States, choosing to abstain.
In the voting held during an emergency special session, as reported by the official UN website, un.org, and Anadolu Agency news office on Wednesday (25 February 2026), the UN General Assembly passed a resolution titled “Support for Durable Peace in Ukraine” submitted by Kyiv and supported by 46 other countries.
The resolution called for “an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire” in the war between Ukraine and Russia that has been ongoing for the past four years. The resolution reaffirmed the strong commitment of the UN General Assembly to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, including territorial waters.
The resolution was passed on Tuesday (24 February) local time after receiving 107 votes in favour, with 12 votes against and 51 votes abstaining.