Two Years of Prabowo-Gibran: Indonesia's Position in World Organizations and Its Various Challenges

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - As President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka approach their second year in office, Indonesia's diplomacy on the global stage continues amid various global challenges.

From inter-state conflicts, human rights enforcement, to global health challenges, Indonesia strives to take an active role in various international forums.

Teuku Rezasyah, a lecturer in International Relations at President University, believes that Indonesia has the diplomatic capital to strengthen its influence globally.

However, such a role must be supported by the government’s consistency in addressing domestic issues to uphold Indonesia's international reputation.

One avenue of diplomacy is reflected in Indonesia's leadership at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

In health matters, the government has proposed Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin as a candidate for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the 2027-2032 term.

Indonesia's involvement in both forums presents both opportunities and challenges for the government’s diplomacy.

So, to what extent can Indonesia's standing in international organizations strengthen its global influence, and what domestic challenges does the government need to address?

Indonesia Leads UNHRC

Indonesia officially assumed the presidency of the UNHRC following the decision made during an organizational meeting in Geneva on Thursday (8/1/2026).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared this appointment is the result of coordinated and ongoing diplomatic efforts from various parties.

This initiative involved all Indonesian representatives abroad, including the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia in Geneva, serving as a frontline for diplomacy at the UNHRC.

Indonesia's delegates in New York and outreach to representatives of friendly nations in Jakarta also supported this process.

The presidency of the UNHRC is held by Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.

In this capacity, Indonesia is tasked with leading the sessions and processes of the UNHRC throughout 2026 in an objective, inclusive, and balanced manner, in accordance with the annual work program and various human rights issues of mutual concern.

Teuku believes that this position presents an opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its diplomacy and showcase its capabilities in bridging differing views among member states.

He argues that Indonesia’s leadership should prioritize universal human rights principles through dialogue and deliberation.

“First, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and our diplomats have indeed been tested, for as the President of the global Human Rights Council, they can advance universal human rights ideas to be socialized globally through democratic means and deliberation,” said Teuku to Kompas.com on Saturday (17/10/2026).

He added that Indonesia should not impose its domestic human rights approach on other countries.

Instead, this presidency should highlight Indonesia's capabilities in managing differences and addressing various global crises.

“Secondly, leadership at the UNHRC also reflects on other countries, observing Indonesia's cautious approach in bridging various current global crises,” he stated.