Foreign Minister Sugiono addressed the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council Plus session on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, underscoring Jakarta’s commitment to multilateralism, non-alignment, and the pursuit of shared prosperity.

Sugiono conveyed President Prabowo’s regret for being unable to attend the summit due to pressing domestic circumstances. He expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the government of the People’s Republic of China for the invitation, preparation, and hospitality extended to Indonesia as a guest of the chair.

“Indonesia accepted the invitation under a full comprehension of the strategic importance of this organization, as well as this summit,” Sugiono said, noting that the SCO’s founding “Shanghai Spirit” resonates strongly with Indonesia’s historic Bandung Spirit of 1955, both emphasizing trust, equality, mutual benefit, and respect for diversity, as quoted in a statement on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The minister highlighted Indonesia’s support for the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China, saying it aligns with Jakarta’s development agenda and the goal of achieving prosperity for the Indonesian people.

“The initiative is very instrumental in creating shared prosperity for many countries and peoples,” he said.

Sugiono also highlighted ongoing global challenges, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as an example where “sovereign equality, respect for international law, and humanity is pushed aside and ignored.”

He emphasized that cooperation can only flourish when international law and global order are upheld.

Indonesia’s participation, Sugiono stressed, reflected the country’s commitment to amplifying the collective voice of the Global South and reinforcing a rules-based multilateral order.

“Indonesia’s commitment is to stand as a friend, to act as a partner, and to work with all of you in promoting our shared values and common prosperity,” he concluded.

The SCO summit, hosted by China in Tianjin City, gathered leaders and representatives from member states and invited partners to discuss strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, and multilateral governance.