Indonesia to withdraw envoy from Australia

Indonesia to withdraw envoy from Australia

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is seeking a replacement for
Indonesian ambassador to Australia Imron Cotan, who will receive
a promotion at the foreign ministry.

The announcement comes as relations between the two neighbors
were put to the test following the 20-year jail sentence handed
down to Australian Schapelle Corby for drug smuggling in Bali,
sparking an outcry on her home soil.

"There is a plan to withdraw Ambassador Imron Cotan. He will
be promoted to a first echelon position at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, but I can't specify the position now,"
presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said on Wednesday.

Dino would not reveal when Imron would leave his ambassadorial
post, saying the foreign ministry would announce this later.

"The reason for his withdrawal is not because he can't work
with Australian officials. The Sydney Morning Herald's report has
been twisted so it appeared so. Ambassador Cotan has done a good
job, and he deserves a promotion," Dino said.

Imron has served only half his term, being appointed by
President Megawati Soekarnoputri in November 2003. He had,
however, been the acting ambassador in Canberra for a year prior
to this due to an extended tug-of-war between Megawati and the
House of Representatives over the selection of an envoy to
Australia.

Susilo had earlier told Indonesian ambassadors to Britain,
Juwono Sudarsono, and Saudi Arabia, Maftuh Basyuni, to return
home early to take up ministerial posts in his Cabinet.

Sydney Morning Herald reported that Imron, who is considered
hostile to Australia by some quarters, would be recalled and a
friendlier diplomat would take his place.

Following the sentencing of Corby, the Indonesian Embassy
received two packages containing suspected bacterial powder
addressed to Imron, forcing a temporary closure of the building.
Australian authorities later declared the powder to be benign.

The presence of Australian Prime Minister John Howard at the
inauguration of Susilo as Indonesian president last October, and
the latter's visit to Australia in April, were billed by many as
a signal of a new era of cooperation between Jakarta and
Canberra.

In response to Imron's withdrawal, Theo L. Sambuaga, who
chairs the House Commission I on foreign affairs, said lawmakers
would be looking for a replacement who could boost ties between
Indonesia and Australia.

"We are looking for candidates who will be able to improve the
friendship between the two countries, to promote Indonesia's
interests in Australia, and provide protection for Indonesians
living there," said Theo.

The commission last week urged the foreign ministry to
immediately submit names of candidates for the vacant
ambassadorial posts.

The ministry and the President have selected some 20
officials, career diplomats and non diplomats, to serve as
Indonesian envoys.

Under the amended Constitution, ambassadorial candidates have
undergo a series of interviews at the House of Representatives
before their appointment by the President.

An ambassador normally serves a three-year term, but his or
her assignment can be extended at the President's request.