SMS: Legacy of Ali Alatas

Wed, 12/17/2008 11:02 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Your comments on the death of former foreign minister Ali Alatas and his legacy in Indonesian and world diplomacy.

His serious speeches influenced his audiences and the world community.
TRI RETNO HY
Seputih Raman, Lampung

Late Pak Ali Alatas was not only significant for Indonesia and world diplomacy but he was also a great man, a friend to many people. I remember how he would give us a broad smile at parties before we could gather the right words to greet him. He was accommodating and friendly during my few meetings with him as I was introduced to him by a friend. The world will miss you. Farewell Pak Ali.
MOELJONO ADIKOESOEMO
Jakarta

Alatas was loyal and a professional person who dedicated his life to diplomacy. Too bad the then president Habibie did not listen to his opinion regarding East Timor as we lost the region and left it in chaos.

Young diplomats need to follow him and learn from him as a role model. Thank you very much Pak Alatas for your contribution to Indonesia.
IWAN FIRMAN WIDIYANTO
Semarang

As a senior high school student, I don't really know the his personality because we didn't get the whole story when we learned history. But his name is very famous.

And he also made a great contribution to ASEAN. He was the real Indonesian mediator to end various conflicts.

Until now, I haven't seen any politicians who can do things like he did. I visited his grave on Sunday, I just could say: "Bapak Ali, you don't even know me, but I pray for the next generation so that we can do what you have done."
RUT SETIO NASTI
Jakarta

Ali Alatas, God always bless you, we will continue your struggle. You are my best teacher. We, the younger generation, must learn from your experience.
ROBERT
Bekasi, West Java

As a student in international relations, I see him as a a great role model!
GANDY SETIAWAN
Depok, West Java

Indonesia lost another great man, not only Indonesia but also the world. I was still a little boy when he was a foreign minister, but I often listened to his speeches on TV. He is the most influential Indonesian diplomat.
DEDE LESMANA
Tangerang, Banten

May you rest in peace, Alatas. You are the son of our nation. Thank you for your restless endeavors.
RIZKY
Jakarta

Innalillahi wainna ilaihi rojiun, Verily to Allah belongs what Allah has taken, and to Allah belongs what Allah has given.

My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of the late Alatas, may Allah grant them patience and fortitude through this trying time.

My gratitude and highest appreciation to the late Alatas for all his time, efforts and contributions while representing our nation, may your example lead future diplomats.

Alatas, your absence will be deeply felt as Indonesia has lost one of its most bright and eloquent diplomats. Selamat jalan Pak Alatas.
YANUAR
Jakarta

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Tatu fuad maulani (not verified) — Wed, 12/17/2008 - 10:19pm

A pol assistant cum protocol of a foreign embassy where I used to work told me he was immensely impressed by FM Ali Alatas' modesty and great cooperation. This protocol man called Alatas' Pejambon office to arrange a meeting between the ambassador and the foreign minister. Apparently nobody was around when he called Alatas' secretary. After several dial tones, a gentle, soft-spoken man's voice answered the phone: "Ali di sini..."

The protocol employee said he would like to set up a meeting with the foreign minister. The soft-spoken person replied the secretary would take care of the matter and that she had just stepped out of the office, will you please call her again...? "Ini siapa ya..?" inquired the protocol. "Saya Ali Alatas tapi sekretaris saya lah yg mengatur jadwalnya (I'm Ali Alatas but it's my secretary who arranges the schedule...)

"Oh maaf Pak, maaf..." (Oh sorry, sir, sorry..) the protocol replied. The foreign minister, Ali Alatas, smiled, saying "no problem."

Other important persons would not condescend to answer a ringing phone.

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