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Tributes, tears for Alatas continue to come
A SHOULDER TO CRY ON: First Lady Kristiani Herawati Yudhoyono (right) consoles Yunisya Alatas, widow of seasoned diplomat Ali Alatas, during his state burial ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Friday
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A SHOULDER TO CRY ON: First Lady Kristiani Herawati Yudhoyono (right) consoles Yunisya Alatas, widow of seasoned diplomat Ali Alatas, during his state burial ceremony at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Friday. Alatas died at a Singapore hospital Thursday. (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)
More world leaders paid tribute to late former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas, who was buried during a military funeral at a heroes’ cemetery in Jakarta on Friday.
From Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Alatas, a well-respected and seasoned diplomat, for his efforts to promote peace and democracy in Southeast Asia.
“On behalf of the United States, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of former foreign minister Ali Alatas and to the people of Indonesia,” Rice said in a statement.
“He was a respected statesman, who will be remembered for his efforts to ensure peace and security in Southeast Asia,” she said.
“As foreign minister of Indonesia, Ali Alatas brokered the historic 1991 Cambodian peace settlement,” Rice added.
He also helped lead ASEAN to “enshrine the values of democracy and respect for human rights in the ASEAN Charter,” she said.
The U.S.-Indonesia Society (Usindo) voiced similar sorrow and paid its last respects to Alatas.
“Indonesia has lost a world-renowned statesman, the United States has lost a good friend and Usindo has lost a staunch supporter and dear colleague,” Usindo chairman Ed Masters said in a text message.
He said Alex, as Alatas was better known, played a significant role in bridging diverse international views in his role as an Indonesian diplomat.
Many foreign leaders supported him for the position of UN secretary-general but the East Timor debacle, or “stone in the shoe” as Alatas put it, made that final achievement impossible, Masters added.
Last respects were also paid by former Chinese vice premier Qian Qichen, former state councilor Tang Jiaxun and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
They sent condolences to Alatas’ family and Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda.
ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said he was deeply saddened by the death of Alatas.
“It is the end of an era. Bapak Ali was a towering figure not only in ASEAN but also in the Third World and nonaligned countries. He was a great son and a true patriot of Indonesia,” he said.
“With the passing of Bapak Ali, we have not only lost a dear friend but a diplomatic giant. He was a great inspiration to us all. His permanent absence will be a big void in our regional diplomatic landscape.”
Alatas died of a heart attack at Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth hospital on Thursday. He was 76.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a military funeral ceremony for Alatas at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on Friday morning.
In his speech at the event, the President said Indonesia had lost one of its best sons who had served the nation as a brilliant diplomat, an internationally acclaimed figure and also a highly respected statesman.
“This military ceremony is a tribute and appreciation for the meritorious services Alatas rendered to the state and nation during his lifetime,” Yudhoyono was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.
He said Alatas, who was foreign minister for four consecutive terms from 1987 to 1999, was an astute and skillful negotiator at international and regional levels and a noted and reliable diplomat who had steadfastly fought for Indonesia’s national interests in international forums.
