Indonesia has been officially selected by members of the Asia-Pacific group at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council to be nominated as chair of the UN body for the 2026 term.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the nomination would be determined at the UN Human Rights Council meeting on the 8th of January 2026, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the UN Human Rights Council.
“Indonesia expresses its gratitude and appreciation for the trust shown by the Asia Pacific Group member countries in nominating Indonesia as the sole candidate for President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026,” said Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang on Wednesday, 24th of December.
If appointed as President of the UN Human Rights Council, Indonesia is committed to leading the body’s sessions and internal processes in an objective, inclusive, and balanced manner.
“This designation certainly reflects the support and trust of the Asia Pacific region in Indonesia’s role and leadership in advancing the human rights agenda at the global level, including Indonesia’s track record as a bridge builder on human rights issues,” added Mewengkang.
In a post on the Indonesian Foreign Minister’s official Instagram account, @menluri, on Wednesday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed his gratitude to the member countries of the Asia-Pacific group for their nomination. He emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to carrying out this mandate fairly and prioritising the protection of human rights for all groups.
“Today [the 24th of December], Indonesia was officially selected by the member states of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) to be nominated as President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2026. Indonesia expressed its appreciation for the trust shown by the Asia-Pacific Group in nominating Indonesia as the sole candidate for President of the UNHRC for 2026.
Indonesia will strive to carry out this mandate to the best of its ability, continuing to encourage dialogue and cooperation, and working with all members of the UNHRC to advance and protect human rights for all,” the Minister said in the caption of the aforementioned Instagram post.