Jakarta. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is visiting Indonesia from Oct. 17 to 19 to discuss cooperation with Jakarta and recognize the country’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, as Indonesia seeks to regain a seat on the Security Council.

Guterres will visit the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ Peacekeeping Mission Center to meet personnel preparing for deployment to the Central African Republic under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said, according to state news agency Antara.

Guterres is also scheduled to lay a wreath at a memorial honoring Indonesian peacekeepers killed while serving under the UN flag. The tribute comes after four Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed in attacks in southern Lebanon in March and April 2026. UN preliminary findings linked one incident to Israeli tank fire and another to an improvised explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah.

During his stay in Jakarta, Guterres will deliver a speech on the future of multilateralism at the Foreign Ministry, as countries face mounting challenges in maintaining international cooperation and addressing conflicts.

Indonesia has a long record of participation in UN peacekeeping missions. More than 50,000 Indonesian personnel had served in operations worldwide as of February 2026. Indonesian troops deployed to MINUSCA support the mission’s mandate, including operational assistance and civilian protection. In September, Indonesia’s Garuda contingent serving in the Central African Republic received UN medals in recognition of its service.

The visit comes as Indonesia seeks to return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2029–2030 term. Newly appointed Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir has identified the bid as one of his priorities.

The 15-member UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, including authorizing peacekeeping missions and imposing sanctions. Its five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — hold veto power, while the remaining 10 are elected for two-year terms.

Meanwhile, Jakarta authorities have announced temporary road closures during Guterres’ visit, warning motorists to anticipate traffic disruptions as his motorcade passes.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Management Center said the closures would be imposed only while the motorcade was passing, with roads reopened immediately afterward. Motorists were advised to follow officers’ instructions and allow extra time for their journeys.

Affected routes include roads around Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Gatot Subroto, Sudirman, MH Thamrin and Medan Merdeka, as well as several roads in the Sentul area.

Authorities urged the public to adjust travel schedules to minimize disruption during the three-day visit.

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