Gus Dur leaves legacy in pluralism: Muhammadiyah chief

Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin said that former president Abdurrahman Wahid, known fondly by his nickname Gus Dur, had contributed greatly to the nation in promoting pluralism and democracy.

Din said that the passing of Gus Dur is a great loss to Indonesians and Muslims in the country.

"During his life, Gus Dur played certain roles and contributed service to Indonesia,"  Din Syamsuddin was quoted by Antara as saying Wednesday night.

He acknowledged that Gus Dur had floated many controversial ideas, but many of his ideas were actually beneficial for the development of this nation, especially in his promotion of pluralism and democracy.

Gus Dur, who had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Ciptomangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta in the past few days, died Wednesday evening. He was 69.

Before becoming the president of Indonesia from October 1999 to July 2001, Gus Dur chaired the country’s largest Muslim organization the Nahdlatul Ulama. Muhammadiyah is the country’s second largest Muslim organization.