Indonesia Names US Ambassador Amid Trade Concerns

After a two-year vacancy, Indonesia has nominated a new ambassador to the United States as trade tensions loom. The appointment comes amid rising concerns about potential tariffs on Indonesian goods.

New Envoy Selected

**President Prabowo Subianto** has selected **Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo**, previously a coordinating minister for maritime affairs, to be Indonesia’s next ambassador to the United States. The position has been open for two years.

**Indroyono** faced scrutiny from the House of Representatives’ Commission I on Saturday, as lawmakers assessed 24 nominees for ambassadorial and United Nations roles.

Prolonged Vacancy in Washington

The ambassadorial position in Washington, D.C., has been vacant since **Rosan Roeslani**’s departure on July 17, 2023. **Roeslani** became deputy minister for state-owned enterprises under then-President **Joko Widodo** and now serves as investment minister and CEO of Danantara.

Trade Tensions Loom

The **Prabowo** administration has been under pressure to fill the US envoy position, especially after tariff threats emerged from the United States. In April, **former President Donald Trump** proposed a 32% tariff on Indonesian goods due to alleged unfair trade practices. Implementation was delayed until July 9 for trade deal negotiations.

“**Indroyono’s** name was on the final list submitted by the government to the House,” said Deputy Chair of Commission I **Budisatrio Djiwandono** on Saturday, confirming the nomination after an initial period of secrecy.

Who is **Indroyono Soesilo**?

Born in Bandung on March 27, 1955, **Indroyono Soesilo** is a geologist and academic. He graduated from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) with a geology degree in 1979. He furthered his studies in the U.S., earning a master’s in remote sensing from the University of Michigan in 1981 and a PhD in geological remote sensing from the University of Iowa in 1987. He also received specialized training in satellite ground station management in Canada in 1992.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Indonesia’s exports to the U.S. in 2022 were primarily refined petroleum ($2.28B), rubber ($1.47B), and knit sweaters ($1.29B) OEC 2022.

While at ITB, **Indroyono** worked as a lab and field assistant. Upon graduating, he joined the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT). His teaching experience includes positions at ITB, Universitas Indonesia, and the Army Command and Staff College (Seskoad), where he taught geology, meteorology, and civil engineering.

His government career includes roles at BPPT, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (as director-general of research harmonization and ocean exploration in 1999), and the Marine and Fisheries Research Agency (from 2001 to 2008). From 2008 to 2011, he served as director of fisheries and aquaculture resources at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Under **President Joko Widodo**’s first term, **Indroyono** was the coordinating minister for maritime affairs. Later, he advised Tourism Minister **Arief Yahya** between 2015 and 2019.

**Indroyono**, currently chairs the Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI). He received the Bintang Mahaputera Pratama in 2009 for his contributions to science and the environment.

His appointment comes as Indonesia seeks to manage trade challenges and strengthen its relationship with the U.S.

The government hopes **Indroyono**’s background will aid discussions on trade, investment, and maritime cooperation.

If confirmed, **Indroyono** is expected to take up his post in Washington in the coming months.