Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono brought President Prabowo Subianto’s message of friendship and cooperation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, September 26.
Sugiono emphasized Indonesia’s foreign policy of maintaining cooperation with all sides while keeping channels for dialogue open.
He quoted a message Prabowo delivered during his UN speech the previous year: “1,000 friends are still too few, and one enemy is too many.”
Sugiono said the principle guides Indonesia’s relations with its international partners. He added that Indonesia will use forums including ASEAN, the G20, D-8, BRICS, MIKTA, and the United Nations to expand cooperation and pursue concrete results.
Indonesia is also seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029-2030 term. Sugiono said the bid carries Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening unity and advancing peace.
“Our commitment is clear: strengthening unity and advancing peace,” Sugiono said during his address.
He explained that strengthening unity requires rebuilding trust in the multilateral system while keeping dialogue open. Meanwhile, advancing peace requires countries to uphold international law and use available mechanisms effectively.
“Indonesia will work to keep dialogue open, build common ground, and turn shared responsibilities into concrete cooperation. We will consistently uphold the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security,” he said.
Sugiono also highlighted the importance of effective leadership in the multilateral system. In his view, an effective multilateral system also requires effective leadership from its members.
He described Indonesia’s leadership philosophy as one that combines leading by example, building trust among communities, and giving others space and capacity to move forward.
“Leadership is not merely about giving orders. Leadership is about using wisdom and empowering others to move forward,” Sugiono said.
He added that effective leadership also requires a strong commitment from UN member states. Indonesia, he said, is ready to contribute to that responsibility.
The approach is consistent with Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to contribute to a world order based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice.
Sugiono’s address came during the 81st UN General Debate, which began on September 22 and continued through September 26 before concluding on September 28.
