A Conversation with Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo swept to power in 2014 on a wave of popular support based on his promises for bold change. As leader of the world’s fourth largest country, third largest democracy, and largest Muslim-majority state, President Jokowi’s foreign policy agenda is of great importance not only to Asia, but the global community as well.

The Wilson Center hosted a Special Event featuring H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi in her first visit to the United States as President Jokowi’s Foreign Minister. In this major policy speech, "Regional Architecture for Today and Tomorrow," Foreign Minister Marsudi discussed Indonesia’s evolving role in strengthening the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific and ensuring stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. 

This event is hosted in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and the United States-Indonesia Society. 

Speaker Biography

Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi is the first female Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. She was sworn in as member of President Joko Widodo's Working Cabinet on 27 October 2014.  She served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to The Kingdom of The Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Republic of Iceland.  From 2008 to 2012, she served as the Director General for America and Europe. Her key role, among others, is as the Chief Negotiator for Strategic/Comprehensive Partnership between Indonesia and other countries, including the United States, the EU, and Brazil.