His brother, Sholahudin Wahid, or Gus Sholah, confirmed the news soon after. Maman Imanulhaq, from the National Awakening Party (PKB), which the late former president founded, said Gus Dur passed away after complications following a dental operation at the hospital.

Journalists are waiting for an official press conference from the family about his death.

Your comments:
Rest in peace, our beloved president. You'll be the unforgettable leader in the heart of Indonesia.

Octavito Joshua Jr.
Manado, North Sulawesi

From Him we came and to Him we shall return. May Allah Almighty bless his soul.

Rafidy Aris
Kuala Lumpur

All Indonesians are mourning in this period of national grief. I would like to extend my profound condolences on the passing of K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, the fourth president, and also render my lofty respect and honor for what he has done for our nation.

Let us bow down for a moment in prayer for his soul and his beloved bereft family, and at the same time forgive his oversights during his life.

It is a great loss to our nation as he was such a respectable, influential and loving religious figure, a humanitarian who will be greatly missed in Indonesia. RIP Gus Dur.

Rudyanto
Denpasar

The whole nation is mourning. You were respected by friend and foe. Your sudden departure has thrown this country into deep mourning. What should have been a happy celebration of the last day of 2010 has now changed into a sad, sad day, not only for NU but for all Indonesians.

Your "gitu aja koq repot" (why the big fuss?) will now turn into a national proverb.

Your contribution to Islam in Indonesia is un-surpassed. Many politicians in our country learned from you. Your ideas and philosophy on political matters, journalistic ethics, religious issues, social differences, etc., were absorbed and studied by all.

The awards and doctorates that you received from so many different nations shows international respect for you, not only as an intellectual but also as an experienced politician, a smart journalist, a philosopher, a scientist and moreover a deeply religious human being.

The Chinese community in Indonesia will forever be grateful to you for revoking the ban on the Chinese New Year and allowing the lion and dragon dances.

No one in our country has ever campaigned to promote Islam as a

peaceful religion, no one has ever stimulated interfaith dialogue and no one has ever had the courage to challenge political opinions but you.

Goodbye, Gus Dur, rest in peace!

Lynna
Bogor, West Java

Gus Dur was a hero. He had a deep, personal commitment to religious freedom. He was prepared to put himself on the line for this belief even though it put him at risk. May he be blessed and rewarded by Almighty God.

Vaughan
Australia

Condolences to the family of former president Wahid, and the people of Indonesia.

I believe Gus Dur was instrumental in improving relations between our neighboring countries and advanced the standing of Indonesia in the world. Indonesia has lost a good man.

John B.
Melbourne

He was one of the reform leaders in this country. With all my respect, I pray for him and his family.

Nurul Aini
Malang, East Java

Good luck Gus Dur, if someone/something tries to ask you a hard question, don't forget your motto: gitu aja kok repot.

Ikhsan H.
Netherlands

To the family of the late K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid and all those who love him too, I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere sympathy for the passing of this wonderful, extraordinary soul. Please accept my heartfelt condolences in these times of sorrow. Dear Gus Dur, I have never met you in person, I have never had the privilege of knowing you personally.

Yet I know that you would not want for your loved ones to grieve too much at your passing, for you, as an enlightened soul, know that the good and loving creator will eventually unite all the souls who truly love each other in the hereafter.

You most certainly want for those loved ones who are left behind to accept your shining torch and carry on, and make your grand ideals for Indonesia a reality.

And somehow I know too (and many souls share this knowledge with me) that the best gift we can still offer you is to follow in the footsteps you so kindly and wisely laid out before us.

I believe that you would like for us, who remain on Earth, to emulate you in being open-minded, tolerant, wise, good-hearted, courageous in defending the truth, brave in standing up for the human rights of minority groups whose constitutional privileges are being trampled underfoot by vile and shallow minds - and to keep our sense of humor even if the world seems to crash down around us. Go with God, dear Gus Dur.

I am very certain He has accepted you with love and open arms! Thank you, for all you have done for our beloved Indonesia. "He was a man, take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." (Hamlet)

Tami Koestomo
Bogor, West Java

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