‘Real impact on the ground’ is needed along with Indonesia’s support for UN reform

That UN80 Initiative is a system-wide reform effort to make the UN more effective, coherent, and better equipped to deliver results in a changing world

On the occasion of his upcoming retirement, UN News spoke with Mr Tharyat about the role of the UN development system in middle-income countries like Indonesia and how to leverage its partnership with the UN.

What is the role of the UN development system in an upper middle income country like Indonesia?

The UN development system must position itself as a strategic partner, with core values ​​in four areas.

• Provide expertise to translate country needs into actionable development programs.
• Connecting governments, the private sector, civil society and international financial institutions to solve complex challenges.
• Serves as a catalyst for innovative financing mechanisms such as blended financing, green bonds and impact investing.
• Act as a guardian of inclusion and universal norms to ensure that no population is left behind in the development journey.

The role of United Nations in Indonesiareflected in the 2026–2030 Cooperation Framework, which is aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities and includes human development, the environment and decarbonization, as well as economic and digital transformation.

The Framework’s ambition includes 18 strategic priorities spanning three outcomes, running the risk of spreading efforts too widely to produce deep catalytic impact.

Addressing persistent disparities across the Indonesian archipelago requires specificity that cannot be met by a national framework. This requires a strong commitment from provincial and city leaders.

In your opinion, what is important about the contribution of the UN Country Team to Indonesia?

Any success UN Country Team is the success of Indonesia’s own vision and leadership. The UN has been a valuable partner in accelerating our national priorities.

There are three important things that are measurable, nationally relevant and future-looking.

• Accelerate stunting reduction through integrated nutrition and sanitation programs.
• Supporting Indonesia’s COVID-19 response and strengthening its health system.
• Advancing the green transition and climate resilience in Indonesia.

How do you measure the success of the collaboration?

Stunting is a top national priority. The UN, in particular UNICEFWorld Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Program (WFP), has provided technical assistance, global best practices, and supply chain support for maternal health, breastfeeding, and water and sanitation.

As a result, Indonesia succeeded in reducing the prevalence of stunting from 37 percent in 2013 to 21.6 percent in 2022.

When COVID hit, WHO, UNICEFand other UN agencies are making life-saving contributions and assisting with genome surveillance, oxygen supply mapping, vaccine cold chain logistics, and risk communication.

The UN is supporting the delivery of more than 400 million vaccine doses, training thousands of health workers, and helping maintain routine immunization during the pandemic.

As the world faces an unprecedented crisis, the UN Country Team stands with us, not as an outsider, but as a trusted partner on the ground, from Aceh to Papua.

Regarding the green transition and climate resilience, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O) has supported mangrove restoration, early warning systems, just energy transition planning, and sustainable agriculture.

From protecting coastlines to creating green jobs, these partnerships deliver real results for our communities and planet.

What advice would you give to other Foreign Ministries on the most effective ways to engage with the UN?

First and foremost, treat the UN Country Team as a strategic partner in implementing your national priorities.

Specifically, there are three practical pieces of advice I can offer:

• Fully align the UN Cooperation Framework with your national medium-term development plans, ensuring that each UN agency’s work program maps directly to specific national targets.
• Work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator who can bring together all UN agencies, unlock global technical expertise, and speak with one UN voice.
• Create coherence with streamlined UN programs to ensure there is no duplication or redundancy.

What kind of UN does Indonesia want to emerge from the UN80 process?

Indonesia wants to see a UN that is more responsive, effective and trustworthy, and has better capabilities to overcome today’s complex and interrelated challenges.

We hope for a strengthening of the multilateral system that will have a real impact on the ground, especially in supporting sustainable development, peace and resilience.

This includes a UN that is more coherent across its pillars, more efficient in its operations, and more inclusive in reflecting the voices and priorities of developing countries.

Ultimately, the UN must remain true to its core principles while adapting to the changing global landscape. Most importantly, Indonesia wants a UN that is able to meet the needs and aspirations of its wider members, rather than only serving the interests of a few people.

How do you see Indonesia’s role at the UN in the coming years?

Last October, we marked two significant historical milestones: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and 75 years of Indonesia proudly joining this great institution.

Now more than ever, we believe that the complex challenges of our time can only be solved through shared determination, shared responsibility and sincere partnership.

This belief is not merely rhetorical. This is reflected in the deep and productive partnership between Indonesia and the UN system at home, a partnership built on trust, dialogue and shared commitment. We are determined to ensure this partnership continues to have a real and measurable impact on the people of Indonesia.

Indonesia is actively seeking a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2029–2030, a nomination that reflects our commitment to contribute more directly to the maintenance of international peace and security at the highest level.