Idham Chalid great national figure, says president

Jakarta, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the late Dr. Idham Chalid who died on Sunday was a great national figure with equally great ideas.

Indonesia had lost one of its best sons with the demise of Idham Chalid at the age of 88 years old on Sunday, July 11, 2010, the head of state said when paying his last respects to the late Idham Chalid here Monday.<<>;br />
"We know him as a great figure with equally great ideas who has made tremendous contributions to the state and nation," Yudhoyono said in remarks at the deceased`s home.

Idham Chalid served as deputy prime minister twice during the Soekarno era. He continued to serve the country under Soeharto by holding several ministerial posts, chairman of the MPR (People`s Consultative Assembly)/DPR (House of Representatives), and Supreme Advisory Council (DPA).

He had also led the country`s largest Muslim organization Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) for 28 years.

"We also remember him during the organization of political life in the Soeharto administration. He was also the architect with extraordinary wisdom when participating in rearranging the political party life, and he was accepted by all sides sincerely," the president said.

On behalf of the nation, the government and himself personally, the president expressed deep condolences to the family of the late Idham Chalid.

The head of state stayed for around 15 minutes at the house of mourning and offered prayers for Chalid.

Dr. Idham Chalid passed away at the age of 88 at his home in the Darrul Maarif educational complex in Cipete, South Jakarta, Sunday at 8 am local after fighting stroke for 10 years.

Idham Chalid was born in Setui, South Kalimantan, on August 27, 1922.

He will be buried at a cemetery in the compound of the Darul Quran Islamic boarding school in Cisarua, West Java, on Monday. (dar)