Jakarta, MINA – United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, has submitted her resignation and is scheduled to depart Jakarta by the end of April.
The resignation comes amid a transition in the US administration and heightened global tensions, including the escalating conflict in Gaza and growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
In an official statement shared with Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) by the US Embassy’s Press Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, a spokesperson confirmed that Lakhdhir’s resignation is part of the standard procedure during presidential transitions.
“It is customary for U.S. ambassadors to tender their resignation to an incoming president. President Trump has accepted the resignation of US Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir,” the statement said.
Ambassador Lakhdhir assumed her post in Jakarta on July 22, 2024, following her nomination on October 20, 2023, and subsequent confirmation by the U.S. Senate on May 2, 2024.
A veteran diplomat with over three decades of service in the U.S. State Department, Lakhdhir is recognized for her commitment to strengthen the U.S.–Indonesia strategic cooperation. During her tenure, she focused on regional security, educational partnerships, and climate change initiatives.
Her unexpected departure raises questions about the future trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia, particularly as conflicts and geopolitical instability intensify worldwide.
The resignation also coincides with increased scrutiny of the United States’ role in the Gaza conflict and growing public pressure in Indonesia against continued military and trade relations with Washington. Indonesia has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, a stance that has tested bilateral relations.
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To date, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official statement regarding Lakhdhir’s successor or the potential implications of the leadership vacuum at the embassy.
While it is standard for politically appointed ambassadors to resign with each change in administration, such moves particularly during a period of heightened international crises are often viewed as signals of broader strategic recalibration.
Lakhdhir previously served at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta from 1994 to 1996, and throughout her diplomatic career has been deeply engaged in fostering mutual understanding and partnership between the two nations. Her efforts spanned multiple sectors, including defense collaboration, education, trade, and sustainable development.
Before departing, Ambassador Lakhdhir is expected to meet with Indonesian counterparts to reaffirm the United States’ enduring commitment to its bilateral relationship with Indonesia. Following her departure, Deputy Chief of Mission Heather C. Merritt will serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. []
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