Prasetyo Explains Reason Behind Government Delay in Accepting Ambassador Credentials

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has explained the reasons why the government has not immediately accepted letters of credence or credentials from at least 17 ambassador-designates from friendly nations. He claimed that this delay is due to efficiency policies.

The government, he stated, has intentionally scheduled the acceptance of credentials for these ambassador-designates to coincide with the inauguration of state officials. On Monday afternoon, 8 June 2026, President Prabowo is set to inaugurate the new Head of the Nutrition Agency, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, and Said Iqbal as a Special Advisor to the President.

“It has been planned. This is a matter of timing; for the sake of efficiency and synchronisation, the event is being held today,” Prasetyo said at the DPR complex, Jakarta, on Monday, 8 June 2026.

The delay in the presentation of letters of credence from foreign ambassadors to President Prabowo has faced criticism from Dino Patti Djalal, the former Deputy Foreign Minister during the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono era. According to Dino, at least 17 ambassador-designates have been waiting for months for their turn to present their credentials. He noted that some diplomats have been waiting for up to eight months, a situation that raises concerns regarding Indonesia’s diplomatic image.

Foreign Minister Sugiono has ensured that dozens of foreign ambassadors are scheduled to present their credentials to President Prabowo Subianto in the near future to officially mark their assignments in Indonesia. He explained that the ambassadors arrived in Indonesia at different times following the last credential ceremony held in November. He claimed that the ambassadors must undergo a series of gradual processes before finally presenting their credentials to the President.

Sugiono asserted that the delay in presenting the letters of credence to the President of the Republic of Indonesia has had no impact on bilateral cooperation with the respective countries. The Secretary-General of the Gerindra Party stated that he has met with each of the ambassadors awaiting their credentials and confirmed that relations and communication with the ambassadors continue to function normally. “What is certain is that the substance of bilateral cooperation remains ongoing,” Sugiono said following a bilateral meeting with Madagascar’s Foreign Minister, Alice N’Diaye, at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

For reference, the last credential presentation ceremony was held at the Merdeka Palace in November 2025, during which President Prabowo received letters of credence from 12 extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors from friendly nations.