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Indonesia’s chairing of UN human rights council for first time: Milestone or empty symbol?
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Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro was elected as president of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Jan 8, 2026.
PHOTO: INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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- Indonesia will chair the UN Human Rights Council in 2026, hailed by officials as recognition of its international standing, despite domestic criticism.
- Rights groups cite Indonesia's poor human rights record, including arrests of protesters and attacks on human rights defenders, questioning its credibility.
- Experts suggest the appointment is an opportunity for Indonesia to improve its human rights record and demonstrate leadership beyond diplomatic prestige.
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JAKARTA – In a first for the country, Indonesia has been elected to chair the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2026.
While Indonesian officials have hailed the appointment as proof of the country’s increased standing in the international community, several experts and human rights groups have raised doubts over whether the development will improve the country’s human rights situation.
