UN Chief Guterres Calls for Security Council Reform During Indonesia Visit

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in Jakarta on Monday that permanent members of the UN Security Council are undermining international peace and security by waging wars and disregarding international law. English.news.cn reported that the UN chief challenged the current composition of the council during the Foreign Policy Circle Talks at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questioning whether its structure reflects modern geopolitical realities.

The remarks come during the final stretch of Guterres’s decade-long tenure, ahead of his scheduled departure from office in December 2026. Speaking before a gathering of Indonesian diplomats, academics, media officials, and lawmakers at the Pancasila Building in Central Jakarta, Guterres described Indonesia as a hope for humanity and a vital partner in upholding the international order, according to The Jakarta Post. He arrived in Indonesia on Oct. 17 for a three-day official visit, meeting with President Prabowo Subianto and senior officials to discuss multilateral cooperation.

Guterres Pushes for Security Council and Governance Reforms

The UN Security Council no longer adequately represents the world, according to Guterres, who stated that structural flaws limit the organization’s ability to maintain global stability. English.news.cn noted his direct critique that permanent members are actively waging wars while setting aside international law. This deadlock over major conflicts has eroded respect for global rules, prompting the UN chief to push for sweeping governance reforms, including the restructuring of the Bretton Woods institutions, as detailed by The Jakarta Post.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir emphasized that multilateralism remains a strict necessity rather than a policy option. Nasir stated that no single nation, regardless of its power, can tackle contemporary global challenges alone. Building on those discussions, Guterres urged Jakarta to use its diplomatic standing to help drive the global reform agenda and ensure that the interests of developing countries receive proper respect within international institutions.

Peacekeeping Deployments in the Central African Republic

Moving from diplomatic talks to field operations, Guterres visited the Peacekeeping Mission Centre in Sentul, West Java, on Monday to address Indonesian military personnel preparing to deploy abroad. ANTARA News reported that the UN chief designated Indonesian peacekeepers as decisive for stabilizing the Central African Republic, where armed groups remain active despite ongoing peace efforts.

The upcoming deployment will work alongside Portuguese personnel currently stationed in the country. Guterres noted that the mission is critical for extending state authority nationwide, ensuring public institutions function properly, and progressively integrating remaining armed groups into the peace process. ANTARA News added that successful stabilization by the Indonesian contingent could eventually allow the United Nations to downsize its mission progressively.

Indonesian Leadership in Global Governance

President Prabowo Subianto met with Guterres during the visit, receiving praise from the UN chief for Indonesia’s active support for the Palestinian people. The Jakarta Post noted that Guterres positioned Indonesia as a crucial voice capable of bridging development gaps and addressing emerging technological threats.

With multilateral systems facing acute fractures and development disparities widening across regions, the UN leadership continues to look toward Jakarta to help renew the multilateral spirit. It is unclear whether major powers will engage constructively with reforms to the Security Council before Guterres steps down in December 2026.