APG Officially Nominates Indonesia for 2026 UN Human Rights Council Presidency

Geneva: Indonesia has been officially selected by member states of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) for the 2026 Presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This appointment reflects the confidence of countries in the Asia-Pacific region in Indonesia's role and leadership in advancing the human rights agenda at the global level.

The nomination for the 2026 UNHRC President will be confirmed at the Human Rights Council Meeting on January 8, 2026. The position will be held by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro. "In this capacity, Indonesia will lead the UNHRC sessions and processes throughout 2026 in an objective, inclusive, and balanced manner," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

Indonesia is currently a member of the UNHRC for the 2024–2026 term. Under the regional rotation mechanism, the Asia-Pacific Group will hold the presidency of the Human Rights Council for the 20th cycle in 2026, thus ensuring Indonesia's compliance with agreed regional arrangements.

The broad support of Asia-Pacific countries for Indonesia is driven by Indonesia's track record as a bridge builder on human rights issues, its position as an independent developing country not affiliated with any particular bloc, and Indonesia's consistent commitment to championing humanitarian issues around the world.

Indonesia's election as President of the UN Human Rights Council strengthens Indonesia's human rights diplomacy and affirms its leadership at the international level.

Indonesia's presidency in 2026 also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council. This momentum can be utilized to encourage the strengthening of international human rights governance that is more inclusive, constructive, and oriented toward dialogue and cooperation.

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia expresses its appreciation and gratitude for the trust and support of all member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) in Indonesia as President of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026. Indonesia is committed to carrying out this mandate professionally, transparently, and based on the spirit of multilateral cooperation for the advancement and protection of human rights for all.