Guterres praises RI’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping missions

indonesianupdates.com_admin

3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The United Nation Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Indonesia’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping operations, saying nearly 2,000 Indonesian personnel were serving in seven missions worldwide.

Guterres made the remarks during his visit to the Indonesian Military’s Peacekeeping Mission Centre in Sentul, West Java, on Monday.

“I want to extend my appreciation to Indonesia for its unwavering support of UN peacekeeping operations over the years, including as co-host of next year’s Peacekeeping Ministerial with the Netherlands,” Guterres said in a statement here.

Nearly 2,000 Indonesian uniformed personnel, both men and women, are currently serving as peacekeepers across seven missions worldwide.

Indonesia is the world’s sixth-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions, Guterres said, describing the Blue Helmets as a source of hope in some of the world’s most troubled areas.

Peacekeepers help defuse tensions between hostile parties, oversee vital aid delivery, protect civilians and create space for political solutions, he said.

During the visit, Guterres also paid tribute to four Indonesian peacekeepers who recently lost their lives in Lebanon, laying a wreath at the peacekeeping centre in their honour.

“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said, adding that no one should die while serving the cause of peace.

Attacks on the peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, Guterres said, calling for accountability and urging the UN member states to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.

Guterres is visiting Indonesia from October 17 to 19 to discuss cooperation between the Indonesian government and the UN within the multilateral system.

He met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday (Oct 19), praising Indonesia’s efforts to support the Palestinian people. Guterres is due to leave office as UN secretary-general in December 2026.

He is also scheduled to deliver a speech titled “Eight Decades of the United Nations: What Comes Next?” at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta.