Today's Memory: Gus Dur Dies At RSCM Jakarta On December 30, 2009

Gus Dur's body arrived at the Tebu Ireng Jombang Islamic Boarding School, East Java, December 30, 2009 before being buried on December 31. (Arief Priyono)

JAKARTA - Today's memory, 13 years ago, December 30, 2009, Former President of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid passed away. The man who is familiarly called Gus Dur died at Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta.

The cause of death is complications of disease. From diabetes to kidney disorders. His departure made the whole of Indonesia grieve. Previously, Gus Dur was known as a person with high courage. He often showed this behavior against the New Order and became President of Indonesia.

Gus Dur's actions for the nation and state were so great. In the New Order era (Orba), let alone. Instead of choosing to play safe, Gus Dur actually appeared brave in defending the people. As a scholar, he opposed all forms of injustice to Suharto and the New Order.

He stood up to defend residents who lost their jobs, homes and lands. Gus Dur also helped the sympathizers of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) who were chased by the New Order apparatus. Gus Dur's life is always the same. He stood up to provide protection and defense.

Gus Dur's character was not lost when he served as President of the Republic of Indonesia. He then appeared as a president who dared to investigate the New Order corruption case that dragged Suharto's name. He did not want to be indiscriminate. The mandate as president is used properly.

Gus Dur immediately perpetuated the breakthrough to advance the nation and state. Mainly maintaining peace between religions. He also dared to roll out policies that were considered controversial. Even though Gus Dur's policies in the future get appreciation from many parties.

In fact, the politics of power has made Gus Dur's greatness tested. Many of his policies were revolutionary and his discourse was too bold. Gus Dur inaugurated the Chinese New Year, changed the name of Irian Jaya to Papua, disbanded the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Disbanding the Department of Information, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, exploring the possibility of political cooperation with Israel, to apologize to ex-Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) as a political victim. Some were welcomed, some caused controversy," said M. Alfan Alfian in the book Damai with Gus Dur (2010).

Goresan Indah Gus Dur as Indonesia's number one person is appreciated by many people. In fact, Gus Dur's contribution to his actions and thoughts continued to last even though he no longer held political positions.

Gus Dur continued to make breakthroughs for the nation and state. He did this to the point of death following Gus Dur. Moreover, in the last moments of his life, Gus Dur took the time to advise many parties to always maintain the diversity of the Indonesian nation.

After that, he died of complications of disease (ginjal and diabetes) at the RSCM on December 30, 2009. His departure brought deep sorrow to the whole of Indonesia.

Petang itu, setelah magrib 30 Desember 2009, pukul 18:45 WIB sosim simple, smart, dan pencinta damai itu, akhirnya berpulang menemui sang kekasih, Allah Tabaraka wa Taala. Terasa sakit, namun seperti yang selalu ditentahkan keterbutuhan, hanya Allah Yang Maha Abadi.

As His word, everything on earth will beNIguing, eternal only Allah, the owner of greatness and glory. Millions of people let Gus Dur go, a great scholar, culturalist, a democratic figure and inspiration for the citizens of this nation in making changes and upholding democracy, pluralism, and human rights, "said Maman Imanulhaq Faqieh in the book Fatwa and Canda Gus Dur (2010).