JAKARTA: Indonesia’s assumption of the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is unlikely to significantly boost its influence over global human rights issues, analysts say, even as the government hails the role as a diplomatic achievement despite mounting criticism of Jakarta’s own human rights record.
While the appointment signals confidence among UNHRC members in Indonesia’s diplomatic capacity, experts caution that the council presidency is largely procedural, countering claims that it reflects elevated international standing or expanded authority on substantive human rights matters.
“As UNHRC president, Indonesia’s role is essentially [procedural, focused on] managing council sessions and regulating who speaks. A chair is necessary in any forum, but the role itself is limited,” international relations expert Hikmahanto Juwana told The Jakarta Post on Friday (Jan 9).
Indonesia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, was elected on Thursday by the council’s Asia-Pacific Group to serve as UNHRC president for a one-year term ending on Dec. 31. The appointment followed months of negotiations across continents to secure the position
Speaking for the first time as UNHRC president after the vote, Sidharto, a seasoned diplomat and former director-general for Asean affairs, thanked council members and pledged to carry out the presidency “with full respect for the principles and integrity of the council.”
“Our decision to step forward is rooted in our 1945 Constitution, which mandates Indonesia’s contribution to world peace based on independence, peace and social justice,” Sidharto said.
“We are fully committed, like all council members, to the core principles of universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in addressing human rights issues, ensuring that all rights, including the right to development, are treated fairly and equally,” he continued.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry’s human rights and migration director, Indah Nuria Savitri, reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to lead the council “with an inclusive approach”, underscoring Jakarta’s awareness of the significant responsibility that comes with the role amid complex geopolitical conditions.
Indah stressed that Jakarta had no predetermined agenda for the council presidency and would treat all human rights matters before the body on their individual merits.
“There is no vested agenda," Indah said. "Indonesia will take appropriate action to advance human rights anywhere, guided by reports from special rapporteurs”.
Beyond symbolism Indonesia has served on the UNHRC multiple times since the council’s establishment in 2006, including at least six terms as a member and stints as vice president in 2009 and 2024.
In December, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai announced Jakarta’s intent to pursue the council presidency, framing the effort as part of Indonesia’s aspiration to shape international norms on issues ranging from corruption and the environment to electoral integrity.
Days before the formal vote, Pigai reiterated confidence in Indonesia’s candidacy and touted the expected win as a reflection of the country’s human rights reputation and capacity to influence pressing global concerns.
He even suggested that Indonesia could play a role in addressing international crises, such as the situation in Venezuela, remarks that analysts deemed overly ambitious given the ceremonial nature of the presidency.
“Of course it is an honour for Indonesia to hold this position. Yet there really is no significant strategic value, privileges or opportunities to be gained here. I think the expectation that we can now intervene in Venezuela, for example, is coming from an uninformed source,” expert Hikmahanto said.
Amid the government’s expansive portrayal of Indonesia’s global human rights standing, criticism has continued to mount at home, with rights groups pointing to what they describe as a growing gap between Jakarta’s diplomatic rhetoric and its domestic record on civil liberties and accountability.
Back home, Indonesia’s upbeat portrayal of its UNHRC presidency has drawn scrutiny from rights groups highlighting a disconnect between its international image and domestic human rights record.
In a Thursday statement, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) described the domestic human rights situation as “catastrophic”, citing protest repression, criminalisation of activists and unresolved abuses in Papua.
“The UNHRC presidency demands consistency between principles and practices, and a partiality toward victims, elements not yet reflected in Indonesian policy,” said KontraS coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya. “Without critical reflection and real action, the new position risks becoming a hollow symbol rather than a genuine contribution to human rights.”
Amnesty International Indonesia similarly questioned Jakarta’s readiness to lead the council effectively. Executive director Usman Hamid noted that Indonesia’s human rights reputation is weakened domestically and abroad.
Over 5,000 people were arrested during demonstrations in 2025, hundreds of human rights defenders faced attacks and the government has often obstructed UN special rapporteurs’ access, Usman said.
He added that the UNHRC presidency now presented a test of Indonesia’s commitment, urging the government to actively implement recommendations, facilitate official visits by UN experts, and align domestic and foreign policies with the principles it is tasked with upholding. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
