---

Indonesia Ambassador Isran accredited to FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): January 22, 2004 - Ambassador Abdul Irsan of the Republic of Indonesia has been accredited as representative of his government to the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Credential Ceremony was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs where Ambassador Irsan officially presented his credentials to President Joseph J. Urusemal.

Along with President Urusemal, witnesses to the ceremony included: Vice President Redley Killion, FSM Chief Justice Andon L. Amaraich, Pohnpei State Governor Johnny P. David, members of the Diplomatic Corp., members of the President's Cabinet and other officials from the national government.

Ambassador Irsan is the Republic of Indonesia's fourth representative to the FSM since the two countries established diplomatic relations in July 1991. He succeeds Indonesia's former Ambassador to the FSM, Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat.

Along with his letters credence, Ambassador Irsan extended greetings from Indonesia's President, Megawati Sukarnoputri. The Ambassador referenced his new post as a welcomed assignment that he believes will foster closer cooperation and a more fruitful relation. He continued on the strong affinity between the two nations and their both belonging to the Asia-Pacific Archipelago with similar needs and mutual interests. Ambassador Irsan pledged to do his utmost to "strengthen relations and cooperation between the [two] countries."

President Urusemal told the Ambassador that his accreditation "signifies another important step in our mutual desire to strengthen [our] relationships at all levels [...] it holds prospects for stronger and closer relations between our two countries."

He assured Ambassador Irsan of his wish to work closely with him and the Government of Indonesia towards mutual benefits at all levels. On the regional scene, the President referenced Indonesia's participation at the regional scene as a dialogue partner at the Pacific Islands Forum as a welcomed partnership that FSM was pleased to support.

President Urusemal concluded his remarks with his best wishes for "personal good health of President Megawati, and the continued prosperity and well-being of the Indonesian people" to which he asked Ambassador Irsan to convey.

Born in 1939, Ambassador Irsan has a rich educational backdrop that spans from Indonesia to Paris. His working background is equally impressive with extensive career in Foreign Ministry from Head of Planning Bureau to Director of Asia Pacific Affairs, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on to head some of Indonesia's overseas missions. In 1988, he served as Consul General in Los Angeles, then moved to Canberra, Australia as the Deputy Chief of Mission. In 1991 he was appointed Ambassador to New Zealand then on to becoming the Director General of Protocol and Consular along with being the Head of State Protocol for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Four years later he became the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after which in 1998, he was appointed Ambassador to the Netherlands.

Ambassador Irsan now serves as a non-resident Ambassador to the FSM, stationed in Japan. The Ambassador and Mrs. Irsan has four children.