Dr Raden Usman Sastroamidjojo

Dr Raden Usman Sastroamidjojo.

Dr Raden Usman Sastroamidjojo was the Republic of Indonesia's first ambassador to Australia. Prior to his arrival in Australia, the newly formed Republic had been temporarily represented in trade matters by C. H. Campbell, an Australian trade unionist.

Dr Sastroamidjojo visited Australia in 1947 in an informal capacity to secure much needed supplies for and to discuss issues faced by the nascent national government. His visit helped solidify relationships between the Republican government and Australian officials, union representatives, business people and political figures. He was regarded by the Australian Government as an intelligent and capable representative.

Following Indonesian independence and the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, Dr Sastroamidjojo returned to Australia as Indonesia's first Ambassador, serving in that capacity until 1951. He would go on to hold posts as Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina and Canada.