President Prabowo Subianto is reviewing five potential candidates to fill the position of Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States, a post that has remained vacant since July 17, 2023.
The selection process is being coordinated between the President and related ministries, according to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
“There are four to five names, and God willing, the President will make a decision soon,” Prasetyo told reporters at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday, May 23, 2025.
While declining to reveal any specific names, Prasetyo emphasized that the future ambassador must possess key qualifications, including diplomatic experience and a strong grasp of economic issues, particularly those relating to Indonesia–U.S. trade relations.
“The candidate must have economic acumen to maintain our trade ties with the U.S.,” he added.
The ambassadorial post has been unoccupied since Rosan P. Roeslani ended his tenure and was later appointed by former President Joko Widodo as Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. Rosan currently serves as Head of Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Danantara, and also holds the role of Minister of Investment and Downstreaming in President Prabowo’s current administration.
Among the rumored candidates for the high-profile diplomatic position is Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, sparking speculation that a cabinet reshuffle may be imminent. However, when asked directly about the rumor, Airlangga remained tight-lipped.
“I don’t know,” he said briefly while entering the Presidential Palace complex for a meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025. When pressed again, he responded with a smile and a simple, “Thank you,” before walking into the building.
A similar response was given later that day at his office, where Airlangga dodged further questions with a cryptic remark, without elaborating further.
Despite the speculation, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that no formal discussions have taken place regarding a cabinet reshuffle.
“As of today, there has been no discussion about a reshuffle,” he stated, while also noting that President Prabowo continuously monitors the performance of ministers and government officials.
The final decision on who will serve as Indonesia’s next ambassador to Washington is expected in the coming weeks, as the role is considered strategic for fostering economic, diplomatic, and geopolitical ties between the two nations.
Tag
Already have an account? Sign In
-
Start reading
Freemium
-
Monthly Subscription
30% OFF$26.03
$37.19/MonthCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now -
Yearly Subscription
33% OFF$228.13
$340.5/YearCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now
Set up email notifications for these topics
