Prominent historian Des Alwi dies at 82
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Headlines | Fri, November 12 2010, 1:02 PM
Des Alwi Abubakar, the prominent historian who was the adopted son of Indonesia's first vice president, Mohammad Hatta, died early Friday morning in Jakarta.
“I have received word from [former vice-president] Try Soetrisno's aide and I am going to the funeral home,” Eminent Persons Group Indonesia-Malaysia member Musni Umar said as reported by Antara news service.
Born in Banda Naira in the Moluccas on Nov. 17, 1927, Des Alwi was a highly regarded supporter and symbol of the people of Banda Naira.
His skill as a lobbyist in national and international affairs was attributed to his close relationships with historic figures such as Hatta and independence leader Sutan Sjahrir.
As a child, Des Alwi met the pair during their exile in Banda Naira. He called Hatta 'Oom Kacamata', or Uncle Eyeglasses, and Sjahrir 'Oom Rir'.
