VIVAnews - Former Indonesia Foreign Affairs Minister between 1988 and 1999 Ali Alatas died this morning, 11 December 2008, at Mount Elisabeth Hospital, Singapore, at 7.30 am local time, at the age of 76.
He was known as a modest person. Amidst young reporters, Ali Alatas was a challenging figure because it was difficult to ask his comments on current issues on international affairs and Indonesia's foreign interests.
"Do not [ask anything] of me, will you? I'm old and I prefer to be an observer. You better ask the Minister and other experts about the issue," said Alatas everytime reporters approached him after he attending an event. If he was cornered by voice recorders and cameras, he would provide normative answers.
Although he had retired from being minister for 10 years, the diplomat, born in Jakarta on 4 November 1932, still gained respect from his colleagues and former trainees at the Department of Foreign Affairs, including current Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda.
"Im still at the meeting. But I really want to return to Jakarta to welcome [Alatas' body] from Singapore," said a second echelon official from the Department of Foreign Affairs attending the Bali Democracy Forum in Bali.
In his old age, the country still needed Alatas's suggestions and diplomatic experiences. That was the reason of why Ali Alatas was appointed advisor on foreign issues by three different presidents: Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. In fact, Alatas had been elected as member of ASEAN Eminent Persons Group. In the team, the late diplomat also formulated basic principles of ASEAN Charter - which became legal principle for the Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN).
Alatas never had to raise his hand to pose question. He was always given the first chance to ask or to say his opinion. "We have always respected Pak Ali's opinion and suggestions because his diplomatic experience had made him an invaluable asset for this nation," said Executive Director of Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Hadi Susastro.
He was always lighthearted and eager to travel. Many people did not expect that his age had exceeded 70. "I did not know what had kept Pak Ali healthy. He was still invited to various forums abroad for at least twice a month," said Anggie, junior staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs who had once been Alatas' assistant.
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
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