Profile of Retno Marsudi, Indonesia's First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs

Kapanlagi.com - Retno Lestrari Priansari Marsudi, the first woman to serve as Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu). Born in Semarang on November 27, 1962, Retno Marsudi is a graduate of the International Relations program at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and has an impressive background in both academic and professional experience. The wife of Agus Marsudi and mother of two children is widely known for her warmth and firmness in leading Indonesia's foreign policy on various international stages.

With a long journey in the diplomatic field, Retno has indeed faced difficult life experiences. Let's take a closer look at Retno Marsudi:

1. Growing in Simplicity that Strengthens the Mind

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

Retno Marsudi stated that she never came from an elite background, and her family was not anyone in the social circle. The tough life during her childhood made Retno accustomed to surviving in difficult conditions, shaping her into a resilient and independent figure.

Those difficult moments not only added to her mental toughness but also taught her to always fight even in limitations.

2. Beginning of Diplomatic Career

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Retno received her first assignment as a diplomat at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Australia, in 1990. During her four years of service there, she built networks and developed experience as a secretary in the economic field.

This experience became a strong foundation for Retno to expand her roles and responsibilities in the international arena. Soon after, from 1997 to 2001, Retno was sent to the Netherlands as an economic secretary at the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

3. Holding Important Positions

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

Retno's career continued to rise, and she was appointed as the Director of Intra and Inter-Regional Cooperation for the Americas and Europe in 2001. This responsibility marked the beginning of a series of important positions entrusted to her. In 2005, Retno was appointed as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Norway and Iceland, adding to her experience in handling more complex bilateral relations.

4. Returning to Indonesia and Continuing the Diplomatic Journey

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

After serving in Norway, Retno returned to her homeland and was appointed as the Director General for Europe and the Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she was responsible for Indonesia's diplomatic relations with 82 countries. In 2012, Retno was trusted to become the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Netherlands, a strategic position that she held for only two years as she returned to Indonesia to support President Jokowi's government as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2014.

During her tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno received appreciation from various international organizations, including an award from the United Nations (UN) in 2017 as a Change Agent in gender equality. This award showcases her influence and expertise in the world of international diplomacy.

5. Serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Two Terms and Walk Out at the UN

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

Thanks to her outstanding performance, Retno Marsudi was re-elected as Foreign Minister during President Jokowi's second term. During her tenure, Retno is also known for bravely voicing support for Palestine. Most recently, on January 23, Retno staged a walk out when the Israeli Ambassador to the US, Gilad Erdan, spoke at the UN Security Council. This action was taken together with diplomats from Arab countries as a form of protest against Erdan's stance, which was considered to corner Palestine in the Gaza conflict.

The walk out action garnered media attention and invited various responses. According to reports from Bisnis.com, this action demonstrated the solidarity of Indonesia and Arab countries towards Palestine.

6. Retno Marsudi Not Included in Prabowo's Cabinet List

Profile of Retno Marsudi, Indonesia's First Female Foreign Minister. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

After 40 years of service, Retno officially bid farewell to her colleagues in the ministry who have supported her diplomatic duties. Retno is known not to be included in the list of ministerial candidates considered by presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto for the upcoming cabinet, making this farewell moment a sign of the end of her long journey in the government.

7. Retno Expresses Gratitude and Appreciation

Profile of Retno Marsudi, the First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia. (credit: instagram.com/retno_marsudi)

In the meeting, Retno expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have worked together and supported Indonesia's foreign policy on the international stage. During her tenure, Retno was known as a firm and highly dedicated diplomat, often vocal on international issues.

That is the profile and news about Retno Marsudi. Stay tuned for her latest news. If not now, when?

(kpl/kpc)