Ambassador Joseph R. Donovan Jr. Bids Farewell to Indonesia, Heather Variava Assumes Duty as Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Ambassador Donovan with YSEALI alumni. (State Dept. / Budi Sudarmo)

JAKARTA – “It is with a heavy heart that I say Sampai ketemu lagi and bid farewell to Indonesia.  Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia has been a true privilege, and after three years in this incredible country, it is my conviction that the U.S. – Indonesia partnership offers tremendous promise to both our peoples,” U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph R. Donovan Jr. said upon his departure.

Ambassador Donovan is a career member of the Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, and was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia on November 4, 2016.  After a 44-year career with the State Department, Mr. Donovan is retiring from the U.S. Foreign Service.

With the departure of Ambassador Donovan on February 14, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Heather Variava, assumed her duty as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. Ms. Variava was previously the U.S. Consul General in Surabaya.

Ambassador Donovan visited Sukadana City, North Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan. (State Dept. / Theresia Andriani)