New envoys impress House

JAKARTA: Two ambassadorial candidates, Soemadi Brotodiningrat and M. Maftuh Basyuni, described their outlooks as diplomats to House of Representatives Commission I on foreign affairs.

During a closed-door meeting, both candidates also accepted advice and suggestions from the legislators, particularly concerning the current situation in the U.S., which is difficult for some Indonesians.

"I think both candidates are good. Their career records are also good," legislator Aisyah Aminy told The Jakarta Post after the hearing.

Soemadi, the current Indonesian ambassador to Japan, has been appointed by president Megawati Soekarnoputri to fill the post in Washington DC, while Basyuni, former Indonesian ambassador to Kuwait, has been assigned to a new posting in Riyadh.

Aisyah added that the House would approve both candidates before going into recess on Dec. 13. --JP