Two new officials in Pejambon

Two new officials in Pejambon

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas installed yesterday two new top officials of his office on Jl. Pejambon: Abdul Irsan became Secretary-General and Dadang Sukandar became Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs.

Both men are career diplomats.

Irsan replaces Soewarno Danusutedjo, who is retiring after 30 years of service at the Ministry of Foreign affairs. Dadang replaces Irsan as Director General.

As Secretary-General, Irsan is responsible for the administrative, organizational and technical aspects of the foreign ministry's activities.

In a ceremony attended by the ministry's most senior officials, Alatas underlined the importance of Irsan's position.

"It can be said that the success of the foreign ministry's endeavors begins with the orderly fostering of administration and organization," he said.

Irsan had served as Director General for Protocol and Consular Affairs since December 1993.

Dadang was previously Indonesia's ambassador to Ethiopia and Eritrea.

In his address, Alatas reminded Dadang that, as the foreign ministry's director general of protocol and consular affairs, he was also the head of state protocol.

"The practice of protocol in diplomatic activities is always sensitive in nature, and any mistake could have far-reaching political implications," the minister said.

Alatas said he welcomed the current review of the Consular Manual and the updating of the 1969 Diplomatic and Consular Guidebook. (mds)