US to Close Five Diplomatic Missions, Including Medan Consulate

Tokyo (ANTARA) - The United States plans to close its consulate in Medan, Indonesia, along with its diplomatic missions in four other countries.

The US Department of State has reportedly informed the US Congress of the plan to close five diplomatic missions overseas, including in Indonesia and Japan.

As reported by Reuters on Monday, the five locations to be closed are the US Embassy in Grenada as well as the US consulates in Winnipeg (Canada), Medan (Indonesia), Nagoya (Japan), and Douala (Cameroon).

The closure of these diplomatic missions is part of a broader effort by the administration of US President Donald Trump to align the bureaucracy with Trump’s “America First” policy.

“Our focus is on ensuring that our diplomatic presence is efficient, effective, and delivers results for the American people,” the spokesperson said.

In his second term as US president, Trump has sought to reduce the number of federal government agencies to curb spending. Moreover, a report indicates there have been cuts to staffing levels at the State Department.

The move has drawn criticism from the Democratic Party and others, as the reduction of US diplomatic missions could potentially weaken American influence and “soft power” on the global stage.