Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has declared that Palestine "remains a test of our conscience", demanding that national sovereignty be respected and that colonialism be brought to an end across occupied Palestinian territories.

Delivering Jakarta’s national address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sugiono stated that the "clear violation of international law in Gaza and the West Bank" is reminiscent of the era before 1945—preceding the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Geneva Conventions.

"Indonesia knows what it means to struggle against colonialism, to struggle in a world where international law was weak and might was right," Sugiono said, noting that his nation's own anti-colonial journey shapes its steadfast solidarity with Palestinians.

He reaffirmed that Indonesia will support the Palestinian people until their self-determination is realised and an independent, sovereign state is established based on the two-state solution under international law.

"Palestine is not only a question for one region; it is a test of whether the multilateral system can uphold the very principles it was created to defend, and whether it can deliver when it matters most," he added.

Multilateral reform

Sugiono stressed that while Indonesia continues to believe in the United Nations, the institution "must evolve with the world it serves."

"Let us be clear that the answer to imperfect multilateralism is not less multilateralism," he argued.

"It is a stronger and better multilateralism; a multilateral system fit for the 21st century must be more representative, more agile and better able to deliver."

Sugiono formally announced Indonesia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029-2030 term, pledging to foster unity and advance global peace.