David Merrill

David Merrill is President of the U.S.-Indonesia Society (USINDO), the premier non-government organization devoted to promoting mutual understanding between Indonesia and the United States. USINDO’s programs enhance public participation in the US-Indonesia relationship in all fields, with special programss in educational and legislative exchange.

Ambassador Merrill’s career has concentrated on Asia. His many posts in the U.S. government include U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh (1994-1997); Director of USAID in Indonesia; USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Near East, Asia, and Eastern Europe; USAID Director for East Asian Affairs; and USAID Representative to Burma.

Following distinguished government service, he managed private sector activities in Asia with multinational energy companies and was a Senior Vice President in international economic consulting.

As U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh, he provided U.S. support for an electoral process that led to Bangladesh’s first peaceful transfer of power between democratically elected leaders and helped Bangladesh gain a $500 million increase in U.S. investment.

As Mission Director for USAID in Indonesia from 1986-1989, he managed a wide range of programs including financial sector development, democracy and civil society, population, environment, education, health, and agricultural assistance.

Ambassador Merrill has received AID’s Distinguished Honor Award, the President’s Meritorious Honor Award, and the State Department’s Superior Honor Award. He attained AID’s highest career Foreign Service rank, Career Minister, in 1992.

He holds an MPA in Asian economic development from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; an M.A. in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University; and a B.A. from Brandeis University. He is married to Irrum Mehmood Merrill.