Minister Sugiono: Palestine Becomes a Real Test of the UN Charter’s Implementation

RRI.CO.ID, New York – Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sugiono, called for stronger commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism during the High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council themed “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

In his statement, Sugiono stressed that today’s global challenges are not caused by the UN Charter losing its relevance, but rather because the principles of international law and multilateralism are too often applied selectively.

“Indonesia believes that the situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, is a clear reflection of the international community’s failure to uphold these principles fairly and consistently,” Sugiono said during the high-level meeting led by Chinese Foreign Minister as President of the UN Security Council for May 2026, and attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Indonesia therefore reaffirmed that the two-state solution, based on international law and relevant UN resolutions, remains the only path toward a just and lasting peace for Palestine. Sugiono also highlighted the recent increase in attacks against UN peacekeeping forces.

“It was emphasized that attacks against peacekeepers are attacks against the principle of multilateralism,” Sugiono stated.

The Indonesian foreign minister also stressed that the protection of UN peacekeeping personnel must be ensured at all times.

Furthermore, Sugiono underscored the importance of respecting international law, including UNCLOS, and ensuring that strategic international shipping lanes do not become arenas of confrontation or political bargaining. He also highlighted growing global security threats, including the impact of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons on the nature of modern conflicts.

In this context, Indonesia once again called for reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative, transparent, accountable, and reflective of the voices of developing countries.

In closing, Sugiono emphasized that the world does not need a new hierarchy, but rather a renewed commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and stronger multilateralism that serves all countries equally.

On the sidelines of the meetings, the Indonesian foreign minister also held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Argentina’s foreign minister to discuss strategic bilateral issues as well as regional and global developments. Sugiono also conducted pull-aside meetings with the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, and Cuba.