Rural Ottertail native is stationed in Indonesia

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Ted Meinhover was at peace recently as he sat around the table at his parents house in rural Ottertail. He was half a world away from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, which is in the heart of Indonesia, but there was a certain sense of calm as the birds were chirping outside the window. 

The 2001 graduate from Perham High School was at home for much of the month of May as he took a break from his position as a diplomat for the United States government in one of the largest countries in the world—ironically, on the complete other side of the world. 

Though he enjoys his job, Meinhover always relishes the opportunity to visit his parents and their bustling business in rural Ottertail, Grass Roots on the Farm. Being half a world away makes coming home a bit of a challenge, but he still takes as many opportunities to come back home as possible. 

“I try to travel too, but I am very invested here and want to be part of the area,” said Meinhover who spent much of the month of May in either the Perham area or the United States as a whole. “It also reminds you of how nice it is to live in America.”

Currently, Meinhover is in the second year of a three year assignment in Indonesia. Where he goes when his current assignment is completed has yet-to-be-determined, but in the meantime, he is focused on being the eyes and ears for the United States government in a country that is evolving before everyone’s eyes. 

“I’ve worked for different administrations and I always felt like I have done meaningful work,” he said. “I see it as a career and they treat us well. 

Meinhover is no stranger to working overseas. He has spent the past two years working at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, while also spending six years working at the Embassy in China. 

He has one year left as part of his current assignment in Jakarta before he can seek another assignment overseas. 

“It’s fascinating. Every three years you have a new set of challenges,” he said. “I plan to do this as long as I feel I am contributing and I am doing something useful.”

Being able to get a first-hand look at an important country as it develops into a democracy has been something Meinhover said he has really enjoyed over the past two years. The country was transformed into a democracy in the late 1990s and still has its fair share of corruption and growing pains that are associated with a young democracy. The ever-changing landscape of the country, as well as the opportunity to make a difference in foreign interests for the United States, has been extremely interesting for Meinhover. 

“For a diplomat it’s a sweet spot,” said Meinhover. “It’s dynamic, you get to be part of a different environment and make sure we are interacting with them (in the correct way).”

The country is an extremely important one in regards to trade in southeast Asia, making it an important ally for not only the United States, but countries around the world. Indonesia is the fourth largest country in terms of population with over 279 million people calling it home and is the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world. Though he admitted the hustle and bustle of a country spread out over 17,000 of islands can be a challenge, while also having 10.5 million people in a small place in Jakarta, Meinhover said he has really enjoyed his time in Indonesia.

The assignment in Indonesia is a bit of a full circle moment for Meinhover as he had the opportunity to visit the country as a student at the University of Minnesota. It was that trip that introduced him to the world of Asia, and especially southeast Asia, and eventually helped to lead him to the state department.

“Twenty years later I have the opportunity to go back and see it from a different angle,” he said. 

After six years in China, and now stationed in another important country in terms of American interests, Meinhover knows his work matters to politicians and the American people. He is essentially the eyes and ears on the ground for everything that has to do with southeast Asia in terms of trade, what is making the people of the countries pleased or upset, as well as ensuring American views are being perceived in the correct way half a world away. 

“As a diplomat it is always interesting to know people care about my report,” he said. “It is our job to translate what is going on in Indonesia.”

One of the biggest parts of the Indonesian government is the nickel mining industry. As a result, Meinhover has made himself extremely well versed on nickel mining, its trends and what is happening in the future of the industry. Should a legislator or representative from the United States government come to Indonesia it is Meinhover’s responsibility to ensure they get in touch with the right people for their visit, for example getting to talk to representatives in the nickel mining industry or other trade industries that are important to American interests. Meinhover’s job is also to be part of the intelligence community and keep politicians informed about the ever-changing environment of a young democracy. 

Looking back on his career, one of his highlights was approximately 10 years ago when he briefly met then Vice President Joe Biden.

“My job was to hold the door open for Vice President Biden and his entourage,” said Meinhover with a laugh who added he has had the opportunity to met several high profile politicians and dignitaries over the years, even if it was just a brief encounter. 

Meinhover became interested in foreign affairs while attending college at the University of Minnesota. The Perham alum had always been interested in writing papers and getting to know new people. 

Fourteen years ago he bean working for the United States government and has never looked back. One of the things he makes sure to tell people about is the importance of learning different languages. So many doors have been opened and his knowledge was furthered by learning a different language at a young age.

“Get your kids to make to take language classes. It really does open up their world and presents some unique opportunities,” he said.