Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono asked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to adopt a firmer and more assertive stance in defending international law and revitalizing multilateralism during the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

“OIC must be more decisive and assertive in strengthening multilateralism and international law,” Sugiono said in his address.

He condemned Israel’s repeated violations of international law, including aggression against Palestinians, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.

“These crimes are putting big questions to the chance for a two-state solution, which we all believe in,” he said.

He also strongly condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian territory, calling them a serious breach of international norms.

“This action constitutes a violation of law and a disservice to all peaceful processes in creating regional stability,” he said, reaffirming Indonesia’s support for a Middle East free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

In his speech, Sugiono outlined three key calls to action for OIC member states:

1. To exercise restraint and avoid escalation,

2. To never give up on diplomacy, and

3. To unite in advocating for global multilateral reform.

He proposed concrete steps, including accelerating international recognition of Palestinian statehood and intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza.

“The continuing horror in Palestine reflects the failure of the multilateral system in ensuring justice,” he warned, emphasizing that as part of the Global South, OIC must push for a fairer, more inclusive world order.

Highlighting the economic challenges faced by OIC member states, Sugiono noted that while the group represents over 25% of the world’s population, it contributes less than 10 percent of global GDP. He called for stronger South-South and triangular cooperation in trade, education, science, and food security.

“When we put our resources, technology, and capital together, we can form a collective power that strengthens our strategic position,” he said.

Indonesia, he added, is ready to open its doors for economic cooperation with fellow OIC countries to advance shared prosperity.

Concluding his remarks, Sugiono stressed the importance of internal unity within OIC and urged member states to resolve conflicts and disagreements.

“Without unity, solidarity, and commitment to action, our challenges will persist and OIC will continue to be unheard,” he warned.

The Indonesian foreign minister also called for internal reform within the organization to ensure it remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

The 51st OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and attended by delegations from 50 member states, including high-level representatives from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Malaysia, Egypt, and Pakistan.

On the sidelines of the event, Sugiono held a bilateral meeting with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister to discuss enhancing cooperation both bilaterally and within the OIC framework.