Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro

Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro
Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva
Incumbent
Assumed office
pending confirmation
PresidentPrabowo Subianto
Preceded byFebrian Alphyanto Ruddyard
Director General for ASEAN Cooperation
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 October 2020
PresidentJoko Widodo
Prabowo Subianto
Preceded byJose Antonio Morato Tavares
Ambassador of Indonesia to India and Bhutan
In office
18 May 2017 – 17 November 2021
PresidentJoko Widodo
Preceded byRizali Wilmar Indrakesuma
Succeeded byIna Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi
Personal details
Born (1966-09-29) September 29, 1966
Cologne, West Germany
SpouseDewi Ratna Yuniasih
EducationParahyangan Catholic University
Naval Postgraduate School
NicknameArto

Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro (born 29 September 1966) is an Indonesian diplomat who is currently the nominee for Indonesia's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva. He began his career at Indonesia's mission to the United Nations and later served in multiple postings including Canberra and New York. From 2014 to 2017, he was deputy ambassador to the United States before being appointed ambassador to India and Bhutan in 2017. He subsequently served as Director General for ASEAN Cooperation from 2020 until now, leading senior officials’ meetings during Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN chairmanship.

Early life and education

Sidharto was born on 29 September 1966 in Cologne, West Germany. He came from a noble lineage from the Mangkunegaran royal family. His grandfather, Suyoto Suryodipuro, was one of the founders of Indonesia's foreign ministry and Radio Republik Indonesia. Sidharto nitially aspired to be a pilot, pursuing a natural sciences major in high school. However, his eyesight and potential limitations led him to a different path.[1] He majored in international relations at the Parahyangan Catholic University and, upon graduating in 1991, applied for the foreign ministry.[2] His grandfather, who supported his application, died shortly before Sidharto passed the application exam for the foreign ministry. He pursued further studies at the Naval Postgraduate School with the Fulbright scholarship[3] and received a master of arts with distinction in national security affairs in 2003.[1]

Career

Sidharto's career in the foreign ministry began in March 1992. He was assigned to Indonesia's mission in the United Nations, where he became Indonesia's delegate to UN's special committee of peacekeeping operations under the United Nations General Assembly.[4] He then returned to the foreign ministry, serving as deputy director (chief of subdirectorate) for ASEAN political affairs.[5] From 2004 to 2006, he served as first secretary at the embassy in Canberra,[3] where he was responsible for managing and promoting Indonesia-Australia economic relations, including trade, investment, tourism, student exchanges, and development cooperation. He returned to the Indonesian mission for United Nations in New York as first secretary for political affairs from November 2006 to February 2009, serving as a delegate to the UN Security Council. In this role, he was in charge of African issues, including drafting Indonesia's positions, attending Security Council meetings, negotiating decisions, and representing Indonesia on matters such as regarding humanitarian affairs in Africa.[6]

From March 2009 to June 2010, Suryodipuro held the position of deputy director for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), where he was responsible for Indonesia's preparation and participation in processes under the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, including internal coordination, drafting positions, and attending meetings. Subsequently, from May 2010 to November 2014, he was promoted as director for Asia Pacific and Africa intra-regional cooperation, leading and coordinating inter-agency work for Indonesia's chairmanship of APEC in 2013.[7][8] During this time, he was instrumental in serving the Indonesian delegation and formulating its position in various regional forums such as the South-West Pacific Dialogue (SWPD), Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC), New Asia Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP), Pacific Island Forum (PIF), Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), and Asia Middle East Dialogue (AMED).[9] He also served as the Secretary to the National Committee on Policy for APEC in the APEC's 2nd Senior Officials' Meeting,[10] leading a team that coordinated and formulated the APEC Leaders' Bali Declaration in 2013, which brought Indonesia into closer engagement with the island countries of the Western Pacific.[11][12][3]

Following this, he was appointed deputy ambassador to the United States from December 2014 to July 2017.[3] In an interview, he described the relationship between Indonesia and the United States as "asymmetrical but not unequal," highlighting the significant economic disparity and the importance of mutual benefit between both nations.[2] He oversaw efforts to expand collaboration between the two countries through bilateral exchanges and global joint efforts to counter extremism. He proposed the creation of a council of religion and pluralism to foster moderation and cooperation across various sectors.[13]

In November 2016, Sidharto was nominated by President Joko Widodo for ambassador to India and Bhutan.[14] He passed an assessment by the House of Representative's first commission the next month[15] and was installed on 18 May 2017.[16] He presented his credentials to President Ram Nath Kovind of India on 23 August 2017[17] and to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on 15 November 2017,[18] becoming Indonesia's inaugural ambassador for the latter since bilateral relations was established in 2011.[19] Under his leadership, the embassy organized a film festival to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India.[20] For his efforts in protecting Indonesian citizens overseas, in 2020 he was awarded the Hassan Wirajuda Award in the head of mission category.[21]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Sidharto posted an image of him doing push-ups and wrote "I'll take my chances, I'll rely on building my own immunity rather than be vaccinated for COVID-19 or any kind of other viral infections." His post sparked controversy as he was viewed as having an anti-vaccination stance, in contrast with the president and foreign minister who have publicly endorsed vaccine development and accessibility. The foreign ministry distanced itself from Sidharto's views, describing them as personal and not representative of official policy.[22]

Upon serving as ambassador, Sidharto returned to Indonesia and assumed office as the director general for ASEAN cooperation in the foreign ministry on 27 October 2020.[23] Two months into his office, a presidential decree on the new organization of the ministry was issued, and Sidharto re-assumed office on 18 August 2021.[24] As director general, Sidharto was designated as Indonesia's senior officials meeting leader.[25] During Indonesia's chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2023, Sidharto led the senior officials meeting, which was held in Labuan Bajo. The meeting discussed on the decision-making process in times of crisis[26] and on strengthening ASEAN's economic resilience and regional significance.[27] A second round of senior officials meeting, held in September 2023 during the summit, focused on enhancing its institutional capacity, as well as matters relating to food security, economic resilience, promotion of blue economy, and solidifying ASEAN as a growth hub.[28]

In August 2024, Sidharto was nominated by President Joko Widodo as the permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.[29] However, he was never summoned for a fit and proper test by the House of Representatives for the office.[30] After Joko Widodo was replaced by Prabowo Subianto, Sidharto was nominated as the permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva.[31] His nomination was approved by the House of Representatives in a session on 8 July 2025.[32]

References

  1. ^ a b Chandra, Stanley (February 15, 2016). "Arto Suryodipuro Sang Diplomat Berdarah Biru" [Arto Suryodipuro, the Blue-Blooded Diplomat]. Kabari News (in Indonesian). Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro". Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (in Indonesian). Universitas Katolik Parahyangan. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d "The Deputy Chief of Mission". Embassy of Indonesia – Washington D.C. Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. 4 February 2015. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  4. ^ Suryodipuro, Arto (6 September 2000). "Operasi Perdamaian, Sarana Intervensi PBB" [Peace Operations, Means of UN Intervention]. KOMPAS (in Indonesian). p. 004.
  5. ^ "2004 OSCE-Japan Conference – Session III: Addressing Challenges to Security of Drugs, Human Trafficking and Small Arms" (PDF). Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Office of the Secretary General, Section for External Co-operation. 16 April 2004. p. 22. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  6. ^ Nations, United (2008). Permanent Missions to the United Nations. UN. p. 119.
  7. ^ Putri, Dwi Ayu (20 July 2025). "APEC bisa dorong peningkatan daya saing produk" [APEC can boost product competitiveness]. Merdeka.com (in Indonesian).
  8. ^ Surya, M. Aji (5 April 2013). "Konektivitas Jadi Prioritas APEC Indonesia" [Connectivity Becomes APEC Indonesia's Priority]. detikFinance (in Indonesian).
  9. ^ "Countering Terrorism in the Asia-Pacific". Asia Society. Asia Society. 3 March 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  10. ^ "SOM 2 APEC diharapkan picu iklim positif perdagangan dunia" [SOM 2 APEC expected to trigger a positive climate for global trade]. Kanalsatu.com (in Indonesian). 7 April 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  11. ^ Harsaputra, Indra (April 8, 2013). "RI sets the international standard in the fight against terrorism" [Indonesia sets the international standard in the fight against terrorism]. The Jakarta Post. Surabaya. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  12. ^ Masnang (6 June 2011). "15 Negara Hadiri Pertemuan Tahunan Kelautan dan Perikanan APEC di Bali" [15 Countries Attend Annual APEC Marine and Fisheries Meeting in Bali]. ANTARA News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  13. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth (March 5, 2016). "Indonesia Will Not Join US Anti-ISIS Coalition: Envoy". The Diplomat. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  14. ^ Ihsanuddin (27 November 2016). "23 Calon Dubes yang Diajukan Jokowi Dinilai Berkualitas" [23 Ambassador Candidates Proposed by Jokowi Are Considered Qualified]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  15. ^ Salim, Tama (15 December 2016). "Jokowi's picks for ambassadorial posts". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  16. ^ Ihsanuddin (18 May 2017). "Jokowi Lantik Enam Dubes, Salah Satunya Rusdi Kirana" [Jokowi Inaugurates Six Ambassadors, One of Them Is Rusdi Kirana]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Four new envoys present credentials to President". India.com. August 23, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  18. ^ "Ambassador-designates of Austria, Indonesia, Morocco present credentials". BBS Bhutan. 2017-11-15. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  19. ^ "Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro Resmi Bertugas di Bhutan" [Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro Officially Assigned in Bhutan]. KRJOGJA.com (in Indonesian). 17 November 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  20. ^ "Indonesian Film Festival 2019 di New Delhi, untuk 70 Tahun Hubungan Diplomatik Indonesia -India" [Indonesian Film Festival 2019 in New Delhi, for 70 Years of Indonesia-India Diplomatic Relations]. Farah Magazine (in Indonesian). October 26, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
  21. ^ Liputan6.com (2020-12-18). "Daftar Pemenang Hassan Wirajuda Award 2020, Ada Djauhari Oratmangun hingga Satgas COVID-19". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Massola, James (2020-06-05). "'I opt out': Indonesia's ambassador to India promotes anti-vax views". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  23. ^ Saeno (2020-10-27). "Jubir Kemlu Dilantik jadi Dirjen Informasi dan Diplomasi Publik". Bisnis.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  24. ^ Massabuau, Dini Kusmana (2021-08-18). "Menlu RI Lantik Para Pejabat untuk Jabatan Pimpinan Tinggi Madya, Jabatan Pimpinan Tinggi Pratama dan 3 Konsul Jenderal RI". Surat Dunia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  25. ^ "Pertemuan SOM Tandai Dimulainya KTT ASEAN di Labuan Bajo". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  26. ^ Wagiyo, NT (4 September 2023). "ASEAN SOM Sepakati Prosedur Pengambilan Keputusan Para Pemimpin ASEAN" [ASEAN SOM Agrees on Decision-Making Procedures of ASEAN Leaders]. Nara Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  27. ^ Hidayat, Dedi (8 May 2023). Hairani, Rini (ed.). "SOM Prioritaskan Tema ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth" [SOM Prioritizes the Theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth]. RRI.co.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  28. ^ Barus, Flora L.Y. (4 September 2023). "SOM KTT ke-43 ASEAN Fokus Penguatan Kelembagaan di Tengah Krisis Myanmar" [SOM 43rd ASEAN Summit Focuses on Institutional Strengthening Amid Myanmar Crisis]. Gatra.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  29. ^ SARWINDANINGRUM, IRENE (2024-09-17). "DPR Mulai Uji Calon Duta Besar". kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  30. ^ "Nasib Samar Belasan Calon Dubes yang Diajukan Jokowi". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  31. ^ Faisol, Amir. "Komisi I DPR Gelar Fit and Proper Test 24 Calon Dubes Hari Ini". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  32. ^ Media, Kompas Cyber (2025-07-09). "DPR Nyatakan 24 Calon Dubes Penuhi Syarat, Langsung Dikirim ke Prabowo". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
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