Indonesian Parliament Urges Foreign Minister to Fill Ambassadorial Vacancies

Strategic Insights -

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission I has asked Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono to address the issue of vacant ambassadorial posts at several Indonesian embassies abroad. The deputies emphasized the importance of ambassadors in protecting Indonesian citizens overseas and promoting national interests through diplomacy. The vacant positions include the Indonesian embassy in Washington D.C., the UN mission in New York, and the embassy in Germany, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • 12 Indonesian embassies are operating without definitive leaders, including the embassy in Washington D.C. which has been vacant since 2024.
  • The Indonesian UN mission in New York and the embassy in Germany have also been left without permanent leaders since 2024.
  • The position of Indonesian ambassador to North Korea has remained vacant since 2021 due to a recall prompted by COVID-19.
  • The Foreign Affairs Minister is urged to prepare successors for ambassadors nearing the end of their terms.
  • Ambassadorial appointments require time due to the fit-and-proper test process.
  • President Prabowo Subianto has sole authority to appoint ambassadors.

Statistics:

  • 12 embassies are operating without definitive leaders (including Washington D.C., New York, and Germany).
  • 2024: Year in which several embassies were left without leaders (Washington D.C. and New York).
  • 2021: Year in which the Indonesian ambassador to North Korea was recalled due to COVID-19.
  • 2024: Year in which President Prabowo appointed several deputy ministers, including Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.

Sources:

  • "Indonesian Parliament Urges Foreign Minister to Fill Ambassadorial Vacancies" by ANTARA, 2025.
  • "Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. Remains Vacant" by ANTARA, 2024.
  • "UN Mission in New York Liquidated Due to Ambassador Departure" by ANTARA, 2021.