New envoys impress House

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