Indonesia Committed to Strengthening a More Effective International System

Foreign Minister Sugiono has stated that Indonesia is committed to playing an active role in multilateral cooperation to promote a more effective and inclusive international system. “We will be at the negotiating table, not just on the sidelines. We will help craft the rules, not merely follow them. And we will defend the international system by making it better,” Sugiono said, according to a Foreign Ministry press release in Jakarta on Thursday. The statement was delivered by Sugiono at the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum X, titled “Strengthening Multilateralism: Survival Amid Global Turbulence and A Fragmented World”, organised by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) in Jakarta. Sugiono said that multilateralism requires genuine commitment from every country to function effectively, whilst emphasising that Indonesia is committed to supporting and strengthening multilateral cooperation. The Foreign Minister also stated that Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various multilateral forums, adhering to the principle of a free and active foreign policy. He said that good relations can be forged with all parties as multilateralism remains relevant for international cooperation, and stressed that every decision taken is always based on national interests. Sugiono acknowledged that the world is beginning to fragment and is changing rapidly. Nevertheless, he stated that Indonesia remains optimistic in facing this because it believes that every change can be a new opportunity for development. “No country wants a fragmented world. However, as I have said before, this is the current reality. Indonesia will face it with confidence,” said Sugiono. He assessed that new roles and partnerships will belong to countries that are ready to face change, whilst affirming that Indonesia is determined to be such a country.