Megawati installs five new ambassadors

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri installed on Wednesday five career diplomats as Indonesian ambassadors while the government continues its consultations with the House of Representatives on four other candidates.

The new ambassadors are Abdurrachman Mattalitti, who will be assigned as the representative to the European Union, Wyoso Prodjowarsito (Myanmar and Nepal), Achmad Nawawi Hasbi (Libya), Sudargo Mangunwidjojo (Srilanka and Maladewa) is this "the Maldives"? and Donnilo Anwar (India).

Abdurrachman's departure will leave vacant his current position as director general for ASEAN cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said the government was preparing to replace ambassadors in several countries whose service was due to end in the coming months.

He said the ministry would submit the candidates to the House in the next sitting, due to start on Aug. 11.

According to the amended 1945 Constitution, the president has the prerogative to appoint ambassadors after hearing the House's opinion, extending the time needed to select an envoy by up to six months.

Hassan said that currently the government was still trying to discuss the appointment of four key envoys, to Australia, Russia, Belgium and Sweden.

"It is true the process takes a long time, but we are in the final stages of resolving the issue with the House," he said.

Without elaborating, Hassan said the government had not changed its mind regarding the candidates and their destination countries.

"The matter is still under discussion with the House," he said.