O

strong>Oct. 28, p3

Although Retno LP Marsudi'€™s appointment as the new foreign minister has won praise, questions linger over her ability to support President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo'€™s maritime-axis doctrine, particularly given her lack of experience as a negotiator.

Your comments:  

A law observer suggested that the foreign minister has to be tough in conveying arguments.  No one will argue on this point as all our past foreign ministers have done so effectively. What makes you think that Retno will be different?

They have handled old and new problems with great care and diplomacy to the satisfaction of the opposite parties. Retno has been a presenter/negotiator for years in Europe and Canberra '€“ hence, her achievements speak for themselves.

It is still early days and until the full scope is put on the table, suggestions by one and all must be reasonable and not abrasive. But I would really like to read that we, as Indonesians, are in full support of our new ministers as they represent us to the best of their abilities.

Luwanto

Just give her a chance. I expect her to solve the border issue between Indonesia and Malaysia once and for all. I am tired of hearing of border disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono solved a border issue with the Philippines peacefully, now let see how Jokowi'€™s Cabinet gets to work.

Santos Hawijaya

Being promoted to foreign minister, especially when Indonesia is a maritime nation (possessing only 40 percent of land mass), is not a case of a blind date or a feeling of optimism by stating she is the first top female diplomat. I am sorry, this is not a triumph, because you are facing China and the US at the negotiating table.

Amini

Dear Mr. President, why didn'€™t you keep former foreign minister Marty Natalegawa in the job at this crucial time? Give your ministers six months. If they'€™re still flailing about by then, please replace them with experts who have lived and breathed their trade for at least 10 years.

Iau Aro