Indonesia Pushes for UN Security Council Reform, Highlights Veto Power and Developing Nations' Representation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia is pushing for reforms at the United Nations (UN), including the UN Security Council, to better represent developing nations’ voices. Sugiono made the statement during a high-level open session of the UN Security Council on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International System” at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Sugiono stressed that the current multilateral system does not fully accommodate developing nations’ interests. A key issue highlighted is the veto power mechanism in the UN Security Council, which often hinders global conflict resolution. He emphasised that Indonesia does not want the UN to lose relevance amid evolving global dynamics, including advancements in artificial intelligence, environmental issues, and armed conflicts in various regions. During the forum, Indonesia also highlighted the Middle East conflict, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which are deemed to have wide-ranging impacts on the global economy. The Palestinian issue was reiterated as Indonesia’s primary concern, with the government viewing the conflict as a test of the UN’s credibility in maintaining world peace. He stressed the crucial role of the UN and Security Council in advancing a two-state solution. Additionally, Indonesia emphasised the importance of respecting international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and called for seas not to be used as arenas for conflict or political pressure between nations. Indonesia also highlighted the need to protect UN peacekeeping forces, following the deaths of four Indonesian TNI soldiers serving in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. “This is the core of what the UN, particularly the Security Council, must do,” he concluded.