Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri

Hassan is one of few ministers from the Megawati Soekarnoputri Cabinet who retained his job. It was not because of his political affiliation or loyalty, but his distinguished diplomatic career, his negotiating skills as well his proven-leadership ability during Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN that earned him the job. Born in Tangerang, Banten province, on July 9, 1948, Hassan has a master's degree in law from Harvard University and a JD in international law from the University of Charlottesville, Virginia, both in the United States. Before becoming the Foreign Minister in Megawati's Cabinet from 2001-2004, Hassan served as Indonesia's Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. -- JP