Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta explains delay in presentation of new credentials

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta stated that the presentation of letters of credence, or credentials, from eight ambassadors of friendly nations to President Prabowo Subianto was only conducted today due to the President’s busy schedule.

Met following the credentials ceremony at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta said the President used the occasion to convey his apologies to the ambassadors for the delay.

“It is purely due to the factor of his (the President’s) very tight schedule; there was no intention at all to delay the presentation of these credentials,” said Anis.

Furthermore, the presentation of credentials was only carried out today because the President is currently focused on addressing ongoing global dynamics and mitigating their impact on Indonesia.

“Since his inauguration, his focus has been on handling global situations that truly require full concentration,” the Deputy Foreign Minister added.

Anis noted that during today’s session, the ambassadors also conveyed messages from their respective heads of state to President Prabowo Subianto. He emphasised that the event proceeded smoothly. The ambassadors presenting their credentials today included representatives from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Saint Lucia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Palestine, and Lebanon.

“More importantly, they all tried the Hambalang coffee,” he remarked, referring to the coffee typically served at Prabowo Subianto’s residence in Hambalang.

Previously, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi told the House of Representatives (DPR) today that President Prabowo Subianto would receive the letters of credence from eight ambassadors on Monday. According to him, the schedule for receiving the credentials had been planned in advance and was to be held alongside the inauguration of several state officials at the Presidential Palace.

“For the sake of efficiency and synchronisation, the event was held today,” said Prasetyo after attending a coordination meeting on export governance at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday.