The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Pretoria held a formal Serah Terima Jabatan (Sertijab), or leadership handover ceremony, on Thursday, 30 July 2026, marking a transition in the leadership and political functions of Indonesia’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.
The ceremony reflected Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring continuity in its diplomatic representation and services to Indonesian citizens across the countries covered by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Pretoria.
Political Function Also Undergoes Transition
The programme began with the handover of the Political Function from Poltak Raja Mangatur Simbolon, Second Secretary, to the Ambassador, as part of the transition process ahead of the completion of Simbolon’s tour of duty at KBRI Pretoria.
The handover forms part of the normal rotation of diplomatic personnel, ensuring that the mission’s political and diplomatic responsibilities continue without interruption.
Poltak Simbolon has served in the political function of the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, contributing to the mission’s engagement with political and institutional stakeholders in its countries of accreditation.
Saud Purwanto Krisnawan Hands Over Leadership of KBRI Pretoria
The ceremony was followed by the formal handover of the leadership of the Indonesian Representative Office in Pretoria from Saud Purwanto Krisnawan to Freddy Martin Panggabean, Minister.
Panggabean will subsequently serve as Kuasa Usaha Ad Interim (KUAI), or Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Pretoria.
The transition was formally marked by the signing of the handover minutes, the presentation of the outgoing leadership’s final memorandum and the delivery of remarks underscoring the importance of maintaining continuity in Indonesia’s diplomatic work.
The process represents an important component of diplomatic institutional continuity, particularly as missions maintain relations with host governments, diplomatic partners and Indonesian communities abroad.
Continuing Indonesia’s Diplomatic Mission in Southern Africa
The Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria is responsible for advancing Indonesia’s diplomatic interests and providing consular and other services to Indonesian citizens within its accreditation area, which includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
The leadership transition therefore comes at a significant point for continued engagement between Indonesia and countries across Southern Africa, including in areas such as bilateral relations, economic cooperation, trade, investment, people-to-people relations and consular services.
Under the new interim leadership, the Embassy is expected to maintain the continuity of these responsibilities while ensuring that services to Indonesian citizens remain a key priority.
Appreciation for Outgoing Officials
The KBRI Pretoria family, together with the Indonesian Defence Attaché in Pretoria and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Johannesburg, expressed their highest appreciation to Saud Purwanto Krisnawan and Poltak Simbolon for their dedication and service during their respective assignments at the mission.
Their contributions form part of the broader work undertaken by Indonesia’s diplomatic representation in Southern Africa to strengthen bilateral relations and support the interests of Indonesian citizens and institutions in the region.
The Embassy also extended its congratulations and best wishes to Freddy Martin Panggabean as he assumes his new responsibilities as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of KBRI Pretoria.
The leadership transition underscores the principle of continuity at the heart of diplomatic service, ensuring that Indonesia’s engagement with South Africa and the wider Southern African region remains active while the mission continues its mandate.
