Ambassador Donovan Shares Ramadan Wishes on Indonesian Television’s Highest Rated Comedy Talk Show

On May 21, Ambassador Donovan appeared as a guest star on Ini Talkshow, the highest rated comedy talk show on Indonesian television, with an estimated viewership of more than eight million people. During the live broadcast at 2:00 am or sahur, the time when Indonesian Muslims partake of the pre-dawn meal in preparation for fasting, ... Read More»

“Ambassadors’ Dig” Builds Homes in Sentul, West Java

On May 12, 2018, Ambassador Donovan joined ambassadors from eleven countries to build homes for disadvantaged families in Sentul, West Java. An annual program organized by organized by Habitat for Humanity, the “Ambassadors’ Dig” brings together chiefs of diplomatic missions in Indonesia to build homes for underserved communities. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Donovan said, ... Read More»

Ambassador Donovan Highlights “Partnerships Across the Oceans” on a Visit to Surabaya

United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph R. Donovan Jr., traveled to East Java from 8-9 May, where he highlighted the strong ties between the United States and Eastern Indonesia. During his visit, he attended the opening of the new Peace Corps office, met with alumni of United States Government-sponsored exchange programs, toured the Cheng Hoo ... Read More»

Ambassador Donovan’s Remarks at the Ceremonial Signing between Boeing and Lion Group

Good afternoon!  Thank you for inviting me to join this special occasion.  I also want to express my thanks to Boeing, Ambassador Rusdi and Minister Budi for joining us. I would like to congratulate Boeing and the Lion Group on this partnership, yet another example of the strong economic relationship between the United States and ... Read More»

Ambassador Donovan Reaffirms Commitment to U.S.- Indonesian Strategic Partnership in North Sulawesi

United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph R. Donovan Jr., concluded his recent trip to North Sulawesi where he demonstrated the U.S.’ ongoing commitment to the U.S.-Indonesian Strategic Partnership across all segments of Indonesian society, including through military-to-military engagement, promoting commercial ties, educational exchanges, and expanded trade ties. While in Manado, Ambassador Donovan participated in the ... Read More»

Ambassador Donovan Promotes U.S.-Indonesian Economic, Strategic and People-to-People Ties in South Sulawesi

United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph R. Donovan Jr. completed his first visit to South Sulawesi, highlighting the continuing strength of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership. During his two-day visit to Makassar, he met with South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo, toured the Mars Sybioscience Facility, PLN (Perusahan Listrik Negara) Dispatch Center, and met with alumni ... Read More»

Ambassador Donovan’s Opening Address at the U.S. – Indonesia Investment Summit 2017

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Selamat pagi. Good morning. Selamat datang ke Jakarta to our guests who have joined us from the United States or from elsewhere in the region. I want to thank the members and staff of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington for ... Read More»

Celebration of the 241st Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, Jakarta

Wakil Presiden Kalla, Mentri Rudiantara, Mentri Basuki, Mentri Ibu Susi, Mentri Sumadi, Mentri Rizal, Mentri Eko, Mantan Presiden Yudhoyono, Mantan Presiden Habibie, para mentri, Secretary General Minh, Charge Dennis Shields, dan teman teman semua. Selamat datang di perayaan ke 241 kemerdekaan Amerika. Tema tahun ini “Kekuatan dalam Keragaman, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, dan E Pluribus Unum”. ... Read More»

“The U.S. and Indonesia: a Strategic Partnership of Promise and Opportunity” at the FPCI

Remarks by Ambassador Blake on “The U.S. and Indonesia: a Strategic Partnership of Promise and Opportunity” at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Jakarta The U.S. and Indonesia: a Strategic Partnership of Promise and Opportunity Ambassador Djalal, distinguished guests and friends, it is my great pleasure to be here with all of you today, ... Read More»

President Obama Announces Joseph R. Donovan, Jr. as Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary July 13, 2016 President Obama said, “I am confident that these experienced and hardworking individuals will help us tackle the important challenges facing America, and I am grateful for their service.  I look forward to working with them.” President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following ... Read More»

Hatta-Sjahrir Marine Sciences and Fisheries College, Banda

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Hatta-Sjahrir Marine Sciences and Fisheries College, Banda Distinguished delegates, representatives, and students – thank you for inviting me to Hatta-Sjahrir Marine Sciences and Fisheries College today. One of our most important objectives in Indonesia is to expand our education cooperation, catalyze partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian universities,  and encourage more ... Read More»

The U.S. – Indonesia Aviation Working Group, Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at the U.S. – Indonesia Aviation Working Group, Jakarta. Minister Jonan Ignasius, Director General Suprasetyo, Indonesian aviation officials and stakeholders, and of course our U.S. company representatives. I am delighted to be be here today.  As we approach the one year anniversary of our first U.S.-Indonesia Aviation Working Group event, I ... Read More»

Cooking Demo Highlights US Products in Lead-up to Ramadan

Ambassador Blake led a cooking demonstration on May 31 at the Sea Breeze restaurant in Jakarta promoting US dates, apples, walnuts, potatoes, beef, citrus, and prunes in advance of the Ramadan season. Working alongside an Indonesian chef, the Ambassador prepared several traditional Indonesian dishes using American ingredients, creating fusion cuisine that could be prepared at ... Read More»

Bringing the U.S. & Indonesia Closer Through Education & Volunteerism

Central government as well as East Java and West Java government officials joined the Ambassador June 1 to swear-in 68 new Peace Corps Volunteers in Kediri, the largest batch of volunteers in Indonesia to date.  The Ambassador deputized the volunteers to be US ambassadors to their host communities, building personal ties between the United States ... Read More»

Peace Corps Swearing In, Kediri, East Java

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Peace Corps Swearing In, Kediri, East Java. Ibu Suharto from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Representatives from Kediri and from STAIN Kediri, Peace Corps Country Director Nina Favor, Surabaya CG Heather Variava, Volunteers, ladies and gentlemen, Selamat pagi! I am really delighted to be here to be able to ... Read More»

Celebration of the 240th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at the Celebration of the 240th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, Jakarta Coordinating Minister Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister Ramli, Minister Rudiantara, Minister Pudjiastuti, Minister Husin, Minister Lembong, my wonderful fellow Ambassador Nina Hachigian, fellow Americans, friends, welcome to America’s Independence Day celebration! This year’s theme is “working ... Read More»

Spirit of Cooperation Event, Residence of the Governor of South Sumatra

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Spirit of Cooperation Event, Residence of the Governor of South Sumatra Governor Noerdin, Governors of other Sumatran Provinces, other distinguished guests, welcome to this celebration of Cooperation between the United States of America and Sumatra! While our Consulate is in Medan, the title of this event says it all.  It ... Read More»

Ambassador Blake on the Environment at Sekolah Menengah Umum, Sumatra Selatan

Remarks by Ambassador Blake on the Environment at Sekolah Menengah Umum, Sumatra Selatan Governor Noerdin, principal, faculty, students, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here at Sekolah Menengah Umum, Sumatra Selatan.  Thank you for your kind invitation to talk to you today about the importance of protecting our environment.  If I have ... Read More»

@america Press Conference & Performance ‎Highlights Ambassador’s Upcoming Sinetron Appearance

On May 20, Ambassador Blake appeared with rising Muslim pop star Harris J to highlight their upcoming sinetron appearance on national TV station RCTI (estimated viewership of 30 million) during Ramadan. DNA Productions and Warner Music Indonesia representatives also discussed the collaborative effort that brought internet star Harris J (a UK citizen signed by US-based ... Read More»

Protecting Victims of Trafficking by Enhancing Integrated Services

Deputy Chief of Mission Brian McFeeters introduced an April 29 @america event that launched two new handbooks to help trafficking victims in Indonesia.  The handbooks were produced by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the NEXUS Institute with the support of the U.S. Department of State and in cooperation with a number of Government ... Read More»

Preservation Efforts Build Strong Ties, Demonstrate U.S. Commitment to Indonesia

On April 26, Ambassador Blake along with government representatives, city officials, the Cikini hospital, and the Center for Architecture Documentation (PDA) turned over research and documentation, completed this past year, of the Raden Saleh Mansion‎. The research was made possible through a 2015 U.S. Embassy grant for USD 22,224. The ceremony showcased U.S. support for ... Read More»

Protecting IPR through Digital Creativity & Making Movies with Smartphones Workshop

On April 26, Ambassador Blake kicked off a workshop at @america, “Filmmaking Smarthack: Making Online Videos with your Smartphone,” with local partners Layaria and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for approximately 80 young Indonesians in celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.  In his remarks, the Ambassador stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property ... Read More»

Raden Saleh Mansion, Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at the Raden Saleh Mansion, Jakarta Selamat pagi. It is with great pleasure that I’m able to be here this morning with all of you, especially: Mr. Hari Widianto, Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Alexander Ginting, Cikini Hospital Mr. Catur Laswanto, Head of Tourism and Culture Agency, Jakarta Provincial Government ... Read More»

Embassy and Consulates Join Together to Promote Girls’ Empowerment, Health, and Leadership

On April 24, nearly 1,000 girls in four cities across Indonesia participated in 5K “fun runs” in a culmination of 6 months of training delivered by  three different implementing partners. Part an effort to increase girls’ participation in sports via the easily accessible sport of running in all four cities, in Surabaya U.S. Consul General ... Read More»

IPMI International Business School’s American Culture Month in Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at the IPMI International Business School’s American Culture Month, Jakarta Good morning.  It is my great pleasure to be back here at IPMI International Business School’s American Culture Month.  Thank you to IPMI, especially Jimmy Gani and Dana Afriza, for all of your efforts in putting the American culture month together. ... Read More»

Rescuing Trafficked Fishermen: Discussion with Pulitzer-Prize Winning AP Journalist

Ambassador Blake hosted an April 20 @america event that highlighted last year’s rescue of over 1,500 fishermen trafficked onto foreign fishing vessels and forced to work as slave labor in Indonesian waters.  Associated Press (AP) journalist Margie Mason described the investigation that led her to break the Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Mason explained how she located ... Read More»

Launch of HELP App, @America, Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Launch of HELP App, @America, Jakarta Selamat Siang. Selamat Hari Kartini. It is very fitting that we gather today to talk about an extraordinary project that exists to help women. We know Ibu Kartini was progressive for her time and that she recognized how critical education and increased access to ... Read More»

Rescuing Trafficked Fishermen in Eastern Indonesia event, @America, Jakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Rescuing Trafficked Fishermen in Eastern Indonesia event, @America, Jakarta Welcome to @america and thank you all very much for coming today. I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Yunus Husein from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, who is representing Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, who could ... Read More»

“Foreign Policy in the Jokowi Administration” at the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club

Remarks by Ambassador Blake on “Foreign Policy in the Jokowi Administration” at the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club My fellow panelists, Members of the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club,  distinguished guests Thank you for the invitation to join this panel and provide the United States’ perspective on foreign policy in the Jokowi administration. When President Jokowi was ... Read More»

Launch of Phase 2 of Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Procurement Modernization Project

Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Launch of Phase 2 of Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Procurement Modernization Project Minister of Public Works Hadimuljono Bappenas Deputy Minister of Foreign Funding Wismana Suryabrata; Governors of Central Kalimantan, Maluku, and Gorontalo; Assembled Bupatis and Walikota; The Head of LKPP, Agus Prabowo; Our moderator Pak Reifeldi, Human Development Director at LKPP; ... Read More»

Ambassador Blake’s Travel to Yogyakarta

On April 11, Ambassador Blake paid a visit to Gadjah Mada University ‎in Yogyakarta to meet with the Rector and her staff and to deliver a lecture to business and international relations students on trade and the development of Indonesia’s digital economy. After the Ambassador delivered his remarks the students asked a number of questions ... Read More»

Trade and Indonesia’s Emerging Digital Economy, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta

Remarks by Ambassador Blaka at Trade and Indonesia’s Emerging Digital Economy, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta Rector Rika, Dr. Made Arsana, thank you for the invitation to speak today.  It is a pleasure to be here at UGM, one of Indonesia’s finest universities.  I am here in Yogyakarta today because our two governments are meeting under ... Read More»

Ambassador Hosts Send-Off for High School Students on Nusantara Inter-Faith Program

On the morning of April 6, Ambassador Blake hosted a group of high school students from Insan Cendekia Madani, a boarding school in the Greater Jakarta area.  The ten students and one teacher are headed on a two-month exchange program through Imam Shamsi Ali’s Nusantara Foundation. The foundation’s work seeks to assist with the integration ... Read More»

OPIC and UPC Sign Cooperation Letter for 75 MW Wind Farm in Eastern Indonesia

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) CEO Elizabeth Littlefield and UPC Renewables Chairman Brian Caffyn signed a letter of cooperation for UPC’s Sidrap project at PLN headquarters on April 7, witnessed by Ambassador Blake, PLN CEO Sofyan Basir, and Indonesian government officials from the Ministry of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources and Investment Coordination Board. UPC ... Read More»

United States Releases New Public Service Announcement with Slank on World Tuberculosis Day

JAKARTA – On World Tuberculosis Day (March 24, 2016), U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) video at @america, encouraging Indonesians to get tested and treated for tuberculosis (TB) if they have a persistent cough. The video prominently features Indonesian rock band Slank who gave a surprise performance at the @america ... Read More»

Statement by U.S. Ambassador Robert O. Blake on the Supreme Court Verdict

We are shocked and disappointed by the decision announced by the Supreme Court to sentence two international school teachers. In August 2015, the Indonesian High Court found that there was not sufficient evidence to support the teachers’ conviction. It is not clear what evidence the Supreme Court used to overturn the High Court’s decision. The ... Read More»

Ambassador Blake’s Travel to Ambon

During a September 6-7, 2015 visit, Ambassador Blake witnessed Ambon City mark its 440th anniversary with songs, jet flyovers, and a world record-setting potluck lunch for city residents. During his visit the Ambassador and Surabaya Consul General Variava joined the Maluku Governor, Vice Governor, and other religious leaders to celebrate the Maluku Protestant Church’s 80th ... Read More»
Show More ∨