Jakarta. Indonesia won a non-permanent seat at the Security Council, with four other countries elected by the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (08/06).

Along with Germany, Belgium, South Africa and the Dominican Republic, Indonesia will serve a two-year term in 2019-20.

The Southeast Asian country was up against Maldives to represent the Asia-Pacific group, and managed to secure 144 votes, while its opponent got 44.

Indonesia has sought support for its candidacy since 2016, especially during meetings President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held with their foreign counterparts.

It is expected of Indonesia to be a moderating voice and consensus builder among members of the council, based on the country's response to various crises that took place over the past year, including the Qatar diplomatic crisis and the humanitarian crisis affecting Rohingya refugees in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Following Friday's voting at the General Assembly's plenary session in New York, Retno delivered a video statement, in which she said Indonesia will focus on several issues during its term, including efforts to strengthen global stability, synergy between regional organizations and the council, and developing a comprehensive global approach to tackle the issue of terrorism, radicalism and extremism.

Retno added that the matter of Palestine will continue to be a priority.

"Indonesia also invites other members of the UN Security Council to make this body more efficient, effective and accountable in responding to various challenges for peace and security," she said.

This is Indonesia's fourth time as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.