Indonesian Foreign Ministry: Multilateralism and UN Reform Are Key to Addressing Global Dynamics
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemenlu RI) has reaffirmed Jakarta’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation amid a continuously changing and uncertain global landscape. This position was articulated as the United Nations, a global body, entered its eightieth decade.
Tri Tharyat, Director General of Multilateral Cooperation at the Foreign Ministry, conveyed this message during a seminar titled “The UN at 80: Shaping the Future of Multilateralism” held in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. He emphasised that for Indonesia, the existence of an effective, inclusive, and relevant UN remains a top priority.
Tharyat clarified that Indonesia’s support for the UN is not based on the assumption that multilateralism is without limitations. Rather, it is driven by the reality that the scale and complexity of current global challenges demand a stronger collective approach.
“It is not because multilateralism is without limitations, but because the scale and complexity of current challenges make a collective approach increasingly necessary,” said Tri Tharyat, citing an official UN statement in Indonesia.
“For Indonesia, a UN that is effective, inclusive, and relevant to its objectives remains extremely important.”
The UN is currently undertaking a major structural reform process through the UN 80 Initiative. The programme, launched by Secretary-General António Guterres, is designed to create a more effective, integrated UN system that delivers direct impact for people worldwide.
In line with the Foreign Ministry’s position, the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Gita Sabharwal, emphasised the importance of sustained international cooperation. She noted that amid rising global uncertainty, the UN remains the most vital platform for dialogue and collective action.
“The UN80 Initiative aims to ensure that the UN continues to evolve so that it can better serve people around the world, work more effectively, operate more cohesively, and deliver greater impact,” said Sabharwal.
The seminar represented an important opportunity for Indonesia to position itself as a bridge builder in global governance reform, ensuring that the voices of developing nations remain an integral part of the future of multilateralism.
Current global geopolitical rivalries, coupled with sluggish economic recovery, as well as climate and energy crises, necessitate global collaboration and cooperation among the international community.