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.