From Pejambon, Sugiono Now Occupies Strategic Post as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated Sugiono as the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (1/10).
The inauguration marks Sugiono’s move from Pejambon, the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after serving as Foreign Minister for approximately two years since 21 October 2024. He was the only minister included in this reshuffle wave to be retained in a new capacity.
Throughout history, the post of Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture has been held by several prominent figures from the ruling party or trusted confidants of the President, possessing extensive experience in politics and governance. Previously, the position was held by Pratikno since the start of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration in 2024. Pratikno served as the State Secretary for two terms under President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and is known as a close aide to Jokowi.
This position was also held by Muhadjir Effendy during 2019-2024, or the second period of the Jokowi administration. While serving as Menko PMK, Muhadjir was the Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisations. Meanwhile, during Jokowi’s first term, the role was held by Puan Maharani. The daughter of Indonesia’s 5th President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, she currently serves as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for two terms.
Before the nomenclature ‘Menko PMK’ was adopted, the position was known as the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare (Menko Kesra). During that era, several major figures held the post. Jusuf Kalla (JK) served as Menko Kesra during the administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri. JK went on to become Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President. Under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration, the position was held by Alwi Shihab, Aburizal Bakrie, and Agung Laksono. Both JK, Aburizal Bakrie, and Agung Laksono eventually succeeded in becoming Chairmen of the Golkar Party after leaving the PMK post.
Sugiono’s Track Record at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
During his two-year tenure, Sugiono achieved several milestones, ranging from strengthening bilateral relations with friendly nations to protecting and repatriating Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad who were in endangered conditions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Sugiono’s leadership, successfully repatriated more than 27,000 Indonesian citizens from perilous situations overseas. This included over 1,200 citizens from Myanmar caught in online scams, 9 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 arrested by Israel, over 8,000 citizens returned from Cambodia, and various citizens threatened by the war in Iran.
Sugiono also ensured Indonesia’s active participation in various multilateral forums. Indonesia successfully secured the Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for 2026, a historic first for the nation. Furthermore, Sugiono helped facilitate Indonesia’s election as a member of the United Nations Board of Auditors for the 2026-2032 period.
Additionally, Indonesia was accepted as a full member of BRICS as of January 2025, only two months after Sugiono expressed Indonesia’s intention to join in October 2024. In September 2026, Sugiono represented President Prabowo to deliver Indonesia’s statement at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, USA. On that occasion, he expressed support for Palestine, the strengthening of multilateralism, UN reform, and the importance of national resilience for regional stability.
Over the last two years, Sugiono represented Indonesia in various multilateral forums such as ASEAN, G20, G7, the World Economic Forum, the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, the BRICS Summit, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), D8, and APEC, among others. In the field of economic diplomacy, Sugiono bridged various trade agreements between Indonesia and several countries and regions, including the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Indonesia-Canada CEPA, Indonesia-Peru CEPA, Indonesia-Chile CEPA, and the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Sugiono also facilitated the successful expansion of QRIS usage in Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan. All these achievements were aligned with the ‘Resilient Diplomacy Roadmap towards Golden Indonesia 2045’ formulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his leadership. In recognition of his services in diplomacy, Sugiono was awarded the Bintang Mahaputera Utama honour by President Prabrot Subianto.