Jakarta. Indonesia recently announced that Asia-Pacific countries had picked Jakarta as their sole candidate for the 2026 UN Human Rights Council presidency.

The council’s presidency rotates among its members every year, representing a different region each time.

It will be Asia-Pacific’s turn to lead the council next year, and this regional group has nominated Indonesia to assume the 2026 leadership. Jakarta attributed the appointment to its status as an independent developing economy that is not formally affiliated with any major bloc. Despite being a shoo-in, Indonesia still has to wait until Jan. 8, when the council will make its final decision.

“We appreciate the Asia-Pacific Group’s trust in nominating Indonesia as the sole candidate for the 2026 UN Human Rights Council Presidency,” Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Tuesday night. 

“Indonesia will do its best in this role as we push for dialogue and cooperation. We will work with all members to advance and safeguard human rights for all.” 

This will be the first time for Jakarta to be at the UN Human Rights Council’s helm. Indonesia is currently in its sixth term at the body, with the current tenure set to expire by the end of next year. Other Asia-Pacific member countries include China, Japan, and South Korea, among others. Indonesian Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, will serve as the council’s president for 2026. 

Think-tank SETARA Institute reported that Indonesia scored 3 on a 1-7 scale on the 2025 Human Rights Index. A seven indicates the highest level of human rights protection. 

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