Indonesia has officially ended a nearly two-year vacancy in its top diplomatic post in Washington, D.C. President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo as the new Indonesian Ambassador to the United States during a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
Soesilo was selected from a shortlist of six candidates, which included senior diplomats Abdul Kadir Jaelani, Redianto Heru Nurcahyo, Umar Hadi, Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan, and Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir. His appointment reflects both his diplomatic credentials and the government’s confidence in his ability to manage the complex Indonesia–US partnership.
The post had been vacant since Rosan Roeslani completed his term in July 2023 before becoming Minister of Investment in August 2024. Soesilo’s appointment concludes a long-anticipated process to fill one of Indonesia’s most strategic diplomatic roles.
It also underscores Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, a partner regarded as vital for economic, defense, and strategic cooperation. Foreign Minister Sugiono previously stressed in a parliamentary hearing that the Washington post was “too important to remain unoccupied,” given its role in trade, security, and global diplomacy.
While Indonesian diplomatic activities in the U.S. continued under chargé d’affaires, the absence of a full ambassador was seen as a gap in Indonesia’s foreign policy presence. Soesilo’s presence in Washington is expected to boost coordination at the highest diplomatic levels.
Prabowo’s Inauguration of Total Eight Ambassadors
In addition to Soesilo, President Prabowo also inaugurated seven other Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (LBBP) to represent Indonesia in key countries and international organizations.
The ceremony, held at the State Palace, was marked by the singing of Indonesia Raya, the reading of the presidential decree, and the official oath-taking led by President Prabowo.
Several high-ranking officials from President Prabowo’s cabinet attended the inauguration ceremony, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan.
The list of newly appointed ambassadors:
- Toferry Primada Soetikno – Ambassador to Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Guatemala
- Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo – Ambassador to the United States
- Andhika Chrisnayudhanto – Ambassador to Brazil
- Abdul Kadir Jailani – Ambassador to Germany
- Judha Nugraha – Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
- Imam As’ari – Ambassador to Ecuador
- Umar Hadi – Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro – Ambassador to the United Nations, WTO, and other international organizations in Geneva
Through the appointment of eight new ambassadors, Indonesia is reinforcing its global diplomatic presence and strengthening ties with strategic partners. These envoys are expected to play a critical role in advancing Indonesia’s interests in key areas such as trade, investment, defense, and climate diplomacy.
The move also reflects Jakarta’s commitment to navigating shifting global dynamics by maintaining an active voice in major international organizations and partner countries. Among them, the posting of a new ambassador to Washington carries particular weight, underscoring Indonesia’s renewed focus on its relationship with the United States, one of its most vital partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Bisnis, Tempo
Photo Credit: YouTube BPMI Sekretariat Presiden
