SMS: Legacy of Alatas

Thu, 12/18/2008 10:57 AM  |  Reader's Forum

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

I really appreciated Pak Ali's efforts in establishing the independence of Southeast Asian communities in the diplomatic world and the important role he played during the East Timor crisis.

Everyone knows the difficulties of that problem and also he was needed by Indonesia from the Soeharto era until now.

He played many important roles -- not only for Indonesian issues, but also for international subjects. Hopefully we will continue admiring him as one of the great leaders in Indonesian diplomacy.
NOVI RUBADI
Jakarta

Good bye Pak Ali. May you rest in peace. We will miss you.
THENOX
Jakarta

Ali Alatas was one of a kind, an extraordinary man. There was never a better voice for Indonesia on the world stage. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.
PIGOSSI
Jakarta

A good man gone, Indonesia needs more like him. Rest in peace Pak Ali.
SCHMERLY
Jakarta

Ali Alatas is an extraordinary role model for the Indonesian people especially for Indonesians of Arab descent. His role during his active years and post years in the political arena has made his mark in history.

I am sure he will be missed. However, we as the younger generation of Indonesians should study and learn his diplomatic ways in communication and negotiation so that we can continue his legacy.

We still have a lot of work to do for the betterment of this country and we are fortunate to have a figure in our history such as Ali Alatas to have led us in many ways. May he rest in peace.
CONOR
Jakarta

I think Jamil Maidan Flores' piece (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 13) is his way to pay tribute to a person he knew well, admired and with whom he had worked closely for more than a decade.

It is an intimate account of his working experience with the late Alatas and the personal relationship born out of those years working through thick and thin. The piece was probably written in such a way so as to help Flores cope with a great sense of loss and sadness, for he may not find a similar personal connection with any other diplomat or official.

Such writing in my humble opinion is very much welcomed as it gives further insight into the sort of person Alatas was -- both as a person and minister, providing invaluable lessons and an example for others to emulate.

Thank you Pak Jamil, for giving people a glimpse of Pak Alex's personal traits, which unfortunately are becoming less common these days in people with power.
JOHN CARSON
Jakarta

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