Diplomatic rearguard

Diplomatic rearguard

From Merdeka

The efficiency driven cuts in the number of diplomats in all
Indonesia's overseas missions is a justifiable action. However,
during this time of reform, discussion of the criteria for
appointing ambassadors has been noticeably absent.

To support efficiency, the assignment of non-career
ambassadors from political circles should also be reviewed, since
there are many differences in the skills required by politicians
and diplomats in their daily work.

In politicking, one attempts to triumph over an opposition and
to impose an idea or opinion upon those with different views.
Diplomacy, on the other hand, aims to foster mutually beneficial
relationships between other countries and cultures, a delicate
task indeed, with no place for forceful argument and expression
of strong points of view.

Debating should be left to past and present members of the
House of Representatives and it is therefore ironic that many of
these people have in fact been made ambassadors.

Given the different skills a politician requires to succeed in
the world of diplomacy, prospective ambassadors selected from
political ranks should receive one year of training in the arts
and finer points of diplomacy.

Furthermore, considering the minimal economic and political
interests Indonesia has in Switzerland, it would be prudent for
the Indonesian government to merge its Embassy in Bern with the
Representative Office in Geneva. Assignments abroad are not just
for enjoying life, and if cuts are required they must be made.

The Malaysian and Australian embassies in Bern have been
closed for five years. Business is now handled by their
respective embassies in Bonn, Germany. The Pakistani embassy in
Bern is staffed by two people, including the ambassador. Yet the
number of Pakistani people in Switzerland is greater than the
number of Indonesians.

MRS. MARIETTA SITOMPUL

Bern, Switzerland