A range of international dynamics marked developments in global politics over the past week. Indonesia achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by officially assuming the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the first time, with a one-year term to be carried out by Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the UN. As President of the UNHRC, Indonesia is responsible for proposing and appointing independent human rights experts through special procedures, while ensuring that the Council’s work proceeds in a constructive, neutral, authoritative manner and in line with the leadership theme A Presidency for All—consensus, effectiveness, and credibility of the UN Human Rights Council. This international trust is based on Indonesia’s consistent track record on human rights issues at the global level, although civil society has emphasized the importance of demonstrating tangible commitment so that this leadership does not remain merely symbolic.
In the Eurasian region, on Friday (9/1), Turkey and Indonesia held their inaugural 2+2 meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense in Ankara. This meeting followed up on the agreement under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSC) to strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, energy, trade, and investment, including accelerating the Preferential Tariff Agreement (PTA) toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and increasing investment across various strategic sectors. In addition, Turkey and Indonesia exchanged views on regional and global issues such as Palestine and the ASEAN region, and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation within the framework of a joint declaration.
Turning to the United States, President Donald Trump signed a declaration to withdraw the US from 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN-affiliated organizations. This move was based on Washington’s view that several of these organizations do not align with US national interests and are considered inefficient. Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has also reduced UN funding, ended US participation in the UN Human Rights Council, suspended funding for UNRWA, withdrawn from UNESCO, and announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Meanwhile, the US government is reportedly considering various options to expand its influence over Greenland, including proposals to provide financial incentives to local residents. These discussions remain internal and have not yet led to any official decisions. The idea has been rejected by the governments of Greenland and Denmark and has drawn criticism from several European countries. While some segments of Greenland’s population support independence, they oppose joining the United States.
Security tensions have also escalated on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea accused South Korea of violating its sovereignty by flying drones across the border with recordings of key facilities stored onboard. The North Korean military shot down the drone and warned of retaliatory actions. However, South Korea denied the accusations, stating that it did not operate drones at the time in question. In response to the incident, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation. This development is seen as potentially undermining South Korea’s efforts to restore relations with North Korea, which have thus far been rejected by the Kim Jong Un regime.
From Southeast Asia, on Thursday (8/1), a massive landfill collapse occurred at a final disposal site in Cebu City, the Philippines. As a result, around 50 workers were reportedly buried when a pile of waste approximately 20 stories high collapsed. Search operations using heavy equipment were carried out on Saturday (10/1), with caution due to the risk of further landslides. According to government reports, four people were confirmed dead, 34 remain missing, and 12 others were successfully evacuated and are receiving medical treatment. Unstable waste movement, difficult terrain, and extreme weather conditions have hampered evacuation efforts.
Beyond the Philippines, southeastern Australia has reportedly experienced severe wildfires that have claimed at least one life. The fires, occurring amid an intense summer heatwave, have burned more than 350,000 hectares of land, cut electricity supplies to thousands of homes, damaged over 300 buildings, and devastated agricultural land and vineyards. Authorities have described the incident as the worst fire since the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires. Local governments have banned all activities that could spark fires, deployed thousands of personnel, and mobilized dozens of firefighting aircraft.
Sources:
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“Indonesia Jadi Presiden Dewan HAM PBB, Apa Pentingnya?.” CNN Indonesia. 10 Januari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260109162834-106-1315333/indonesia-jadi-presiden-dewan-ham-pbb-apa-pentingnya.
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