Indonesia to withdraw envoy from Australia<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is seeking a replacement for
\nIndonesian ambassador to Australia Imron Cotan, who will receive
\na promotion at the foreign ministry.<\/p>\n
The announcement comes as relations between the two neighbors
\nwere put to the test following the 20-year jail sentence handed
\ndown to Australian Schapelle Corby for drug smuggling in Bali,
\nsparking an outcry on her home soil.<\/p>\n
\"There is a plan to withdraw Ambassador Imron Cotan. He will
\nbe promoted to a first echelon position at the Ministry of
\nForeign Affairs, but I can't specify the position now,\"
\npresidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Dino would not reveal when Imron would leave his ambassadorial
\npost, saying the foreign ministry would announce this later.<\/p>\n
\"The reason for his withdrawal is not because he can't work
\nwith Australian officials. The Sydney Morning Herald's report has
\nbeen twisted so it appeared so. Ambassador Cotan has done a good
\njob, and he deserves a promotion,\" Dino said.<\/p>\n
Imron has served only half his term, being appointed by
\nPresident Megawati Soekarnoputri in November 2003. He had,
\nhowever, been the acting ambassador in Canberra for a year prior
\nto this due to an extended tug-of-war between Megawati and the
\nHouse of Representatives over the selection of an envoy to
\nAustralia.<\/p>\n
Susilo had earlier told Indonesian ambassadors to Britain,
\nJuwono Sudarsono, and Saudi Arabia, Maftuh Basyuni, to return
\nhome early to take up ministerial posts in his Cabinet.<\/p>\n
Sydney Morning Herald reported that Imron, who is considered
\nhostile to Australia by some quarters, would be recalled and a
\nfriendlier diplomat would take his place.<\/p>\n
Following the sentencing of Corby, the Indonesian Embassy
\nreceived two packages containing suspected bacterial powder
\naddressed to Imron, forcing a temporary closure of the building.
\nAustralian authorities later declared the powder to be benign.<\/p>\n
The presence of Australian Prime Minister John Howard at the
\ninauguration of Susilo as Indonesian president last October, and
\nthe latter's visit to Australia in April, were billed by many as
\na signal of a new era of cooperation between Jakarta and
\nCanberra.<\/p>\n
In response to Imron's withdrawal, Theo L. Sambuaga, who
\nchairs the House Commission I on foreign affairs, said lawmakers
\nwould be looking for a replacement who could boost ties between
\nIndonesia and Australia.<\/p>\n
\"We are looking for candidates who will be able to improve the
\nfriendship between the two countries, to promote Indonesia's
\ninterests in Australia, and provide protection for Indonesians
\nliving there,\" said Theo.<\/p>\n
The commission last week urged the foreign ministry to
\nimmediately submit names of candidates for the vacant
\nambassadorial posts.<\/p>\n
The ministry and the President have selected some 20
\nofficials, career diplomats and non diplomats, to serve as
\nIndonesian envoys.<\/p>\n
Under the amended Constitution, ambassadorial candidates have
\nundergo a series of interviews at the House of Representatives
\nbefore their appointment by the President.<\/p>\n
An ambassador normally serves a three-year term, but his or
\nher assignment can be extended at the President's request.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-to-withdraw-envoy-from-australia-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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