Umar Hadi

Umar Hadi
Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations
Incumbent
Assumed office
25 August 2025
PresidentPrabowo Subianto
Preceded byArrmanatha Christiawan Nasir
Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy
Acting
In office
24 March 2025 – 17 September 2025
Preceded bySiti Nugraha Mauludiah
Succeeded byHeru Hartanto Subolo
Director General of America and Europe
In office
15 September 2022 – 21 October 2025
PresidentJoko Widodo
Prabowo Subianto
Preceded byI Gede Ngurah Swajaya
Succeeded byKamapradipta Isnomo (acting)
Grata Endah Werdaningtyas
Ambassador of Indonesia to South Korea
In office
13 March 2017 – 30 September 2021
PresidentJoko Widodo
Preceded byJohn A. Prasetio
Succeeded byGandi Sulistiyanto
Personal details
Born (1968-02-11) 11 February 1968
Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
SpouseSiti Nila Purnama Hadi
ChildrenRatna Aini Hadi
EducationPadjadjaran University
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

Umar Hadi (born 11 February 1968) is an Indonesian diplomat who is currently serving as permanent representative to the United Nations in New York since 2025. Previously, he served as ambassador to South Korea from 2017 to 2021 and director general for America and Europe from 2022 to 2025.

Early life and education

Born in Bogor on 11 February 1968,[1] Umar Hadi began studying international relations at the Padjadjaran University in 1986 and later graduated with a bachelor's degree.[2] During his foreign service, he pursued master's degree in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He attended the multilateral specialization program at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland.[3]

Diplomatic career

Umar began his career at the foreign ministry in 1992, serving as an officer at ad-hoc office for Indonesia's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement.[1] He served for three years until he received his first assignment abroad at the permanent mission in Geneva with the rank of second secretary.[3] In 2001, he returned to Jakarta with his appointment[4] as chief of information and media section in the minister's administration bureau.[5] In 2003, Umar issued a warning on The Jakarta Post for publishing personal opinions of legislators and revealing names of ambassadorial candidates and their intended postings.[6]

He was then transferred to the directorate general of information and public diplomacy as the acting director for public diplomacy in 2005.[7] Umar, alongside with other diplomats occupying strategic posts at that time, was part of a group nicknamed as the Hassan's boys, which was cultivated by foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda to lead Indonesia's foreign policy.[8] As public diplomacy director, Umar organized an informal gathering for Indonesian and foreign diplomats to interact in 2006.[9] Following the formation of the Institute for Peace and Democracy—the implementing agency of the Bali Democracy Forum—in 2008, Umar became a member of its board of advisors.[4]

Upon serving in Jakarta, he was posted to the embassy in the Hague as the deputy chief of mission in August 2009,[10] serving under ambassadors Junus Effendi Habibie and Retno Marsudi.[11] On 12 April 2012, Umar became the Western Europe director in the foreign ministry.[12]

Consul general in Los Angeles

Umar was appointed as consul general Los Angeles in 2014, serving until 2017. Umar conducted his first meeting with Indonesian citizens in Los Angeles on 25 October 2014.[13] During the formation of Joko Widodo's Working Cabinet, political researcher Raja Juli Antoni named Umar as a possible candidate for the foreign minister.[14]

To promote Indonesia's trade potential, Umar conducted door-to-door visits to American importers of Indonesian goods to understand their challenges and strengthen trade ties[15] and collaborate with Indonesian designers to showcase Indonesian traditional clothing at the Los Angeles Fashion Week.[16][17]

Umar co-produced two movies during his career in Los Angeles. His first movie, titled Bali: Beats of Paradise, was produced alongside with Julia Gouw, a Los Angeles banker, and directed by Indonesian filmmaker Livi Zheng.[18] The movie, features I Nyoman Wenten and Naniek Wenten,[19] who have promoted Balinese music and dance in the U.S. for over 40 years. The movie was selected for Oscar 2019 consideration in the Best Picture category and shown exclusively on Singapore Airlines.[20] Aside from the movie, Livi Zheng and the consulate general also produced two promotional videos, titled LA's Gateway to Indonesia and Passport Services in LA Are Getting Easier and Safer, which went viral in video sharing sites.[21][22]

Ambassador to South Korea

In November 2016, Umar was nominated by President Joko Widodo for ambassador to South Korea.[23] He passed an assessment by the House of Representative's first commission the next month[24] and was installed on 18 May 2017.[25] He presented his credentials to President of South Korea Moon Jae-in on 18 July 2017.[26] Several months later, on November that year Moon Jae-in visited Indonesia.[27]

During his tenure, he prioritized strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic, social, and cultural areas. He actively promoted Indonesian creative industries and cultural diversity to the South Korean market through movies,[4] such as Bali: Beats of Paradise, which was well received by Korean audiences.[28]

Serving the Indonesian citizens living in South Korea, Umar worked to improve the well-being of Indonesian migrant workers, ensuring they were treated equitably and had access to legal protection. In a meeting with Indonesian migrant workers, Umar pledged to eliminate illegal fees at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and committed to provide full support to Indonesian citizens in need.[29] To assist the Indonesian citizens returning home, he initiated Kampung Korea (Kami Mantab Pulang Dari Korea) program to help Indonesian workers prepare for entrepreneurship by featuring speakers such as Sandiaga Uno and celebrity chef William Wongso.[11] For his role in protecting Indonesian migrant worker, Umar received the 2018 Best Amb. Award from the NDNnews and the Seoulcity magazine[30] on 21 June 2018.[27]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, Umar led the embassy's proactive pandemic response, including mask distribution and aid during outbreaks, as well as cooperating with the South Korean government for the handling.[11] The embassy also implemented major transformations during the pandemic, with the implementation of health protocols, shifted nearly all embassy services online to reduce physical contact, and aimed for 100% eco-friendly operations at the embassy and diplomats' residences. Due to the movement restrictions implemented by the South Korean government, Umar did not visit a salon in over three months, resulting in noticeably longer hair.[31] At the end of his term, on 2 June 2021 Umar received honorary citizenship of Seoul from Mayor Oh Se-hoon, becoming the first Indonesian Ambassador to receive this honor.[32] Upon returning to Indonesia, in November of the same year Umar received the Golden Ambassador Award from the RMOL news network.[33]

Director general of America and Europe

After his ambassadorship in South Korea, on 15 September 2022 Umar was appointed as America and Europe director general in the foreign ministry.[3] During his tenure, in 2023 Umar summoned Sweden's ambassador to Indonesia Marina Berg over incidents of Quran burnings in the country.[34] Umar, alongside with the defence ministry's strategy director general Bambang Trisnohadi, led the Indonesian delegation for the Indonesia–U.S. Senior Officials' 2+2 Foreign Policy Dialogue and Defense Dialogue.[35]

Permanent representative to the United Nations

In July 2025, Prabowo Subianto nominated Umar as the permanent representative to the United Nations.[36] After passing an assessment by House of Representative's first commission on 5 July 2025,[37] his nomination was approved three days later.[38] He was installed on 25 August 2025[39] and presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres on 19 September 2025.[40]

Personal life

Umar is married to Siti Nila Purnama and has a daughter, Ratna Aini Hadi,[4] who is a researcher at the LUT University.[41]

References

  1. ^ a b Manggala, Thomas (20 March 2019). "Umar Hadi: Tinggal di Negara Manapun, Talenta Anak Indonesia Luar Biasa" [Umar Hadi: Wherever They Live, Indonesian Youth Have Extraordinary Talent]. SINDOnews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  2. ^ Wulandari, Asri Wuni (15 February 2018). "Hall of Fame Pertama Duta Besar Alumni IKAHI Unpad" [First Hall of Fame for Ambassador Alumni of IKAHI Unpad]. AyoBandung (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  3. ^ a b c Gunawan, Sarah Meiliana (15 September 2022). "Dilantik Jadi Dirjen Amerop Kemlu RI, Ini Sepak Terjang Dubes Umar Hadi" [Appointed as Director General for American and European Affairs, This Is Ambassador Umar Hadi’s Track Record]. RMOL (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "Interview With H.E. Umar Hadi, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Republic of Korea". Asia Society Korea. 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  5. ^ Hafid, Meutya Viada (2007). 168 jam dalam sandera: memoar jurnalis Indonesia yang disandera di irak (in Indonesian). Hikmah. p. 263. ISBN 978-979-1141-21-5.
  6. ^ Hadi, Umar (3 March 2003). "News on envoy candidates". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  7. ^ "Susunan Pejabat Departemen Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia". Departemen Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia (in Indonesian). 11 September 2007. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  8. ^ Khalik, Abdul (12 October 2009). "'Hassan's boys' shape RI's current diplomacy". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  9. ^ "Diplomats gathering boost interaction". The Jakarta Post. 27 March 2006. p. 10. ProQuest 288338522. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  10. ^ "House scrutinizes 22 ambassadorial candidates". The Jakarta Post. 26 August 2009. Archived from the original on 27 August 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  11. ^ a b c Chandra, Stanley (2 January 2022). "Video: DUBES UMAR HADI – Berbagi Kisah dan Pengalaman dari Negeri Ginseng" [Ambassador Umar Hadi Shares Stories and Experiences from the Land of Ginseng]. Kabari News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  12. ^ "Menlu Lantik 23 Pejabat Eselon I dan II" [Foreign Minister Inaugurates 23 Senior Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations, WTO and Other International Organizations in Geneva. 13 April 2012. Archived from the original on 20 April 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  13. ^ Chandra, Stanley (15 October 2015). "Setahun Konjen Umar Hadi Memimpin KJRI LA" [One Year of Consul General Umar Hadi Leading the Indonesian Consulate in LA]. Kabari News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  14. ^ Sihaloho, Markus Junianto (25 October 2014). "Salah Pilih Menteri, Legitimasi Jokowi-JK Bisa Tergerus" [Wrong Ministerial Picks Could Undermine Jokowi–JK’s Legitimacy]. BeritaSatu (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  15. ^ KRJI Los Angeles (17 November 2014). "Konjen RI di LA Blusukan ke Importir untuk Tingkatkan Ekspor Indonesia ke AS" [Indonesian Consul General in LA Goes Door-to-Door to Boost Exports to the US]. Detik News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  16. ^ Santosa, Eddi (2 October 2016). "Los Angeles Fashion Week Berdampak Pada Citra Fashion Indonesia" [Los Angeles Fashion Week Impacts the Image of Indonesian Fashion]. Detik News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  17. ^ Santosa, Eddi (2 October 2016). "Di LA Fashion Week, Karya Indonesia Unjuk Keunggulan" [At LA Fashion Week, Indonesian Creations Showcase Excellence]. Detik News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  18. ^ Mewangi, Melati (2 April 2019). ""Bali: Beats of Paradise" Disambut Positif di Korsel" [“Bali: Beats of Paradise” Welcomed Positively in South Korea]. Kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  19. ^ Santosa, Teguh (1 April 2019). "Dubes Umar Hadi Bocorkan Rencana Film Kedua, Tentang Kisah Cinta Indonesia Dan Korea" [Ambassador Umar Hadi Reveals Plans for Second Film About Indonesia–Korea Love Stories]. RMOL (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  20. ^ Redaksi (15 August 2019). "Seminggu Lagi, "Bali: Beats of Paradise" Tayang di Indonesia" [One Week to Go, “Bali: Beats of Paradise” Premieres in Indonesia]. Bali Post (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  21. ^ Yulianingsih, Tanti (5 April 2017). "Video Viral Karya WNI untuk KJRI Los Angeles" [Viral Video by Indonesian Citizen for the Indonesian Consulate in Los Angeles]. Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  22. ^ Nadya, Novi (3 May 2017). "Kesenian Indonesia di Pentas Hollywood" [Indonesian Arts on the Hollywood Stage]. Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  23. ^ Ihsanuddin (27 November 2016). "23 Calon Dubes yang Diajukan Jokowi Dinilai Berkualitas" [23 Ambassador Candidates Proposed by Jokowi Are Considered Qualified]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  24. ^ Salim, Tama (15 December 2016). "Jokowi's picks for ambassadorial posts". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  25. ^ Ihsanuddin (18 May 2017). "Jokowi Lantik Enam Dubes, Salah Satunya Rusdi Kirana" [Jokowi Inaugurates Six Ambassadors, One of Them Is Rusdi Kirana]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  26. ^ Surya, Aji (18 July 2017). "Dubes Umar Hadi Serahkan Surat Kepercayaan ke Presiden Korsel" [Ambassador Umar Hadi Presents Letters of Credence to South Korean President]. Detik News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  27. ^ a b Hasan, Rizki Akbar (21 June 2018). "Dubes Indonesia Raih Penghargaan Duta Besar Terbaik di Korea Selatan" [Indonesian Ambassador Wins Best Ambassador Award in South Korea]. Liputan6 (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  28. ^ Hestyarini, Firsty (3 April 2019). "Dubes Umar Hadi dan Bankir Julia Gouw Ikut Jadi Produser Film Bali: Beats of Paradise Guncang Publik Korsel" [Ambassador Umar Hadi and Banker Julia Gouw Join as Producers of Bali: Beats of Paradise, Stirring Korean Audiences]. RM.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  29. ^ Danar (28 May 2018). "Kedubes RI di Korea Selatan Bebas Pungli, Ini Janji Umar Hadi" [Indonesian Embassy in South Korea Free of Illegal Fees, Promises Umar Hadi]. KRJogja (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  30. ^ Shin, Whan-chul (21 August 2018). "Indonesia Mme. throws a luncheon for its migrant workers' spouses at Amb's residence" [Indonesian Ambassador’s Spouse Hosts Luncheon for Migrant Workers’ Families]. NDN News. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  31. ^ Mada, Kris (8 January 2021). "Umar Hadi: Dubes yang Patuh Gondrong" [Umar Hadi: The Ambassador Who Obediently Grew His Hair]. Kompas (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 20 September 2025. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  32. ^ Lee, Kyung-sik (4 June 2021). "Ambassador Umar Hadi Awarded Honorary Citizen of Seoul City" [Ambassador Umar Hadi Receives Seoul Honorary Citizenship]. The Korea Post. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  33. ^ RMOL Network (9 November 2021). "Golden Ambassador untuk Dubes Umar Hadi" [Golden Ambassador Award for Ambassador Umar Hadi]. RMOL (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  34. ^ Khalida, Melalusa Susthira (30 January 2023). "Kemenlu telah panggil Dubes Swedia terkait pembakaran Al Quran". Antara News. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  35. ^ "Indonesia dan AS Gelar Dialog Kebijakan Luar Negeri dan Pertahanan" [Indonesia and the US Hold Foreign Policy and Defense Dialogue]. Republika Diplomasi (in Indonesian). Republika. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  36. ^ Faisol, Amir. "Komisi I DPR Gelar Fit and Proper Test 24 Calon Dubes Hari Ini". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  37. ^ KumparanNEWS (5 July 2025). "Daftar 12 Calon Dubes yang Telah Fit and Proper Test Hari Ini" [List of 12 Ambassador Candidates Who Underwent Fit and Proper Test Today]. Kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  38. ^ Safitri, Kiki; Carina, Jessi (9 July 2025). "DPR Nyatakan 24 Calon Dubes Penuhi Syarat, Langsung Dikirim ke Prabowo". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 10 July 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  39. ^ Ulya, Fika Nurul; Prabowo, Dani (25 August 2025). "Presiden Prabowo Lantik Dubes RI untuk Amerika Serikat dan 7 Dubes Lain" [President Prabowo Inaugurates Indonesian Ambassador to the United States and 7 Other Ambassadors]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  40. ^ Nugraha, Fajar (20 September 2025). "Resmi Mulai Tugas, Dubes Umar Hadi Serahkan Surat Kepercayaan ke Sekjen PBB" [Officially Begins Duties, Ambassador Umar Hadi Presents Letters of Credence to UN Secretary-General]. Metro TV News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  41. ^ "Ratna Aini Hadi - LCFI". Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. University of Cambridge. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
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