Indonesia Planned New U.S. Media Bureau
The Indonesian Ambassador has pledged support to reopen the state news agency bureau in the United States.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in International Relations
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Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo has announced plans to reopen a U.S. bureau for the ANTARA News Agency. The initiative aims to enhance reporting on bilateral relations and the Indonesian diaspora following a recent meeting with Communications Minister Meutya Hafid.
Why it matters
The bureau is intended to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations by improving news dissemination. By establishing a dedicated presence in the U.S., the agency seeks to bridge information gaps between the two populations.
The nations recorded US$43 billion in bilateral trade in 2025, with Indonesia maintaining a US$19 billion trade surplus. Currently, 8,348 Indonesian students are enrolled in U.S. universities based on 2023/2024 academic year data.
The players
Indroyono Soesilo
He is the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States who is leading the effort to expand media presence.
Meutya Hafid
She serves as the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs.
ANTARA News Agency
This is the state-owned news agency of Indonesia responsible for domestic and international news coverage.
The details
The Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., is tasked with facilitating the reporting efforts of ANTARA journalists across U.S. government and diaspora activities. The agency, which currently maintains international bureaus in Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, previously operated a U.S. office at the United Nations Headquarters.
Timeline
During the 2023/2024 academic year, 8,348 Indonesian students studied in the U.S.
The two countries recorded US$43 billion in bilateral trade during 2025.
Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo met Minister Meutya Hafid in New York on September 22, 2026.
Political Context
The initiative follows the collaborative framework established by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to deepen ties between the two nations. This effort reflects a broader strategy to increase Indonesia’s diplomatic and soft-power influence within the American political landscape.
For the Indonesian diaspora in the U.S., the bureau promises more localized reporting on federal and state policies that directly impact their community. Readers can expect improved access to information regarding bilateral economic updates and student exchange data.
The takeaway
This expansion signals Indonesia's commitment to strengthening its communication channels in North America. Increased media coverage may lead to better-informed public discourse on issues affecting the Indonesian-American population.
Further reading
For more on global diplomatic affairs, see our International Relations section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Antara News.
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