UNAIR NEWS – Adding to the university’s list of accomplished alumni, Bambang Suharto, a 1984 graduate of Universitas Airlangga’s (UNAIR) International Relations program, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto officially swore him in on Monday, March 24, 2025, to serve as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria.
Mr. Bambang Suharto now leads the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. In addition to Nigeria, he also holds concurrent accreditation as ambassador to seven other West African nations: Niger, Ghana, Liberia, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, and São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as to the regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
For Ambassador Suharto, this diplomatic assignment is a profound honor and responsibility that he is committed to upholding with integrity. “I am proud to represent my family, friends, colleagues, and alma mater. I am honored by the trust the Indonesian government has placed in me, especially during such a rapidly shifting global landscape. With the resources and support available, I will give my utmost to meet the objectives that have been set,” he said.
His path to becoming an ambassador was shaped by strong resolve cultivated during his university years. He emphasized that his academic foundation at UNAIR played a crucial role in helping him understand, analyze, and respond to international developments. This determination, he added, fueled his motivation to build a career in diplomacy following graduation.
His career faced major challenges during Indonesia’s political reform movement in 1998, a period that transformed the nation’s governance. “This shift demanded greater transparency and introduced a more competitive, merit-based system. It challenged me to adapt and grow, both professionally and personally, in response to changes in our political environment,” Ambassador Suharto explained.
Commitment for Indonesia
Ambassador Suharto reaffirmed his commitment to deepening political relations between Indonesia and Nigeria, a partnership that began at the 1995 Asia-Africa Summit. “This diplomatic bond should now evolve into broader collaboration, particularly in economic and cultural spheres,” he stated.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s growing significance as a major economic force in Africa, citing its abundant natural resources and regional influence. “As an ambassador also accredited to ECOWAS, I hope to foster closer cooperation with the organization to advance regional economic initiatives,” he added.
In conclusion, Ambassador Suharto encouraged Indonesians to play a more active role in sustaining strong diplomatic ties with Nigeria. In today’s interconnected world, he noted, everyone with access to technology and information has the potential to influence diplomatic relations.
“That’s why, in addition to honing our skills in our respective fields, we must also broaden our awareness through meaningful engagement with key figures who shape public opinion and guide the nation’s direction,” Ambassador Suharto concluded.
Author: Selly Imeldha
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
