Indonesia Calls for Greater Middle Power Role in Reforming Multilateral System
New York, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has called for a stronger role for middle powers in reforming the multilateral system, stressing that countries with collective influence can make a meaningful contribution to shaping the future of global governance.
Addressing the 30th MIKTA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sugiono said MIKTA could contribute to building a more effective and responsive multilateral system.
Sugiono appreciated Australia’s leadership of MIKTA in 2026 and said the momentum generated under its chairmanship should be utilized to strengthen the group’s contribution to multilateralism.
On United Nations reform, Indonesia emphasized that the process should go beyond efficiency and also address legitimacy, effectiveness and accountability. Sugiono said MIKTA could help maintain the continuity of ongoing reform initiatives and contribute to building consensus around a clear roadmap reflecting a shared vision.
He noted that MIKTA’s credibility was rooted in the diversity of perspectives and regions represented by its members, comprising Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Türkiye and Australia.
Sugiono also highlighted a proposal for appointing a coordinating country for specific issues, saying such a mechanism could strengthen coordination and enable MIKTA’s cooperation to become more focused and consistent.
The Indonesian foreign minister further emphasized the importance of MIKTA’s ability to respond swiftly to international developments. He cited the group’s joint statement following an April 2026 attack on Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon as an example of timely collective engagement.
Other issues discussed by the MIKTA foreign ministers included the development agenda and artificial intelligence. Sugiono also called for greater cooperation with the private sector, philanthropic organizations and other strategic partners to translate policy ideas into practical initiatives.
The 30th MIKTA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held under Australia’s 2026 chairmanship theme, “State of the Multilateral System and the Role of Middle Powers.”
