‘False pride’: Indonesia’s UN rights role clashes with its domestic record

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Resty Woro YuniarJanuary 18, 2026 at 05:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Indonesia has begun its presidency of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) this month, a largely administrative role within the 47-member body. The UNHRC, a subsidiary of the UN General Assembly, is mandated to promote and protect human rights globally. Indonesia's ambassador was elected president on January 8, nominated as the Asia-Pacific group's sole candidate. While Indonesian officials emphasize the prestige and the country's human rights record as justification for the position, human rights activists are raising concerns about Indonesia's domestic rights record. The presidency primarily involves chairing meetings and guiding discussions, offering limited power to influence outcomes.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jakarta 30% Asia‑Pacific 40% Centre for Strategic and International Studies 40% UN General Assembly 50% Lina Alexandra 50% Indah Nuria Savitri 60% UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) ×385% Indonesia ×490%

Keywords

un human rights council 100% human rights 90% indonesia 80% unhrc presidency 70% rights record 60% international relations 50% domestic policy 40% united nations 40%