JAKARTA – U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim departs Indonesia on Monday, November 20, after a successful and memorable three years in the country. Since becoming the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia in October of 2020, Ambassador Kim has worked to strengthen and promote the strong bond of friendship between the United States and Indonesia based on shared values of democracy, diversity, and pluralism.
Under Ambassador Kim’s leadership, the United States and Indonesia collaborated successfully across many sectors, including expanding trade and investment ties, rising to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing U.S.-Indonesia educational and cultural exchange, addressing the climate crisis by advancing Indonesia’s energy transition, bolstering maritime security, and reinforcing the strong U.S.-Indonesia defense partnership. As his ambassadorship to Indonesia concluded, the United States and Indonesia elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a historic new phase in bilateral relations.
“As I depart Indonesia and reflect upon my time here, I’m proud to have witnessed so many accomplishments achieved in partnership with the government and people of Indonesia. The future of our bilateral relationship is bright, and I firmly believe our work together on shared challenges will continue to ensure stability and prosperity throughout ASEAN and the larger Indo-Pacific region,” said Ambassador Kim. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the United States Ambassador to this incredible country.”
With the departure of Ambassador Kim, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Michael F. Kleine, assumes duty as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
