Anies Recalls Azyumardi Azra When He Was An Advisor To The Vice President: His Bag Is Small, But He Has Most Knowledge

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan after praying for Azyumardi Azra's body at UIN Jakarta Tuesday (20/9/2022). (ANTARA-Katady F)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan recalls the Chairman of the Press Council, Prof. Azyumardi Azra, as a person who has consistently maintained quality in democracy in Indonesia.

"The deceased was a person who was consistently consistent in maintaining our Indonesia as a developed country and a consolidated democracy," said Anies at the Harun Nasution Auditorium of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Tuesday, September 20.

During his lifetime, continued Anies, Azyumardi Azra consistently conveyed the importance of maintaining the quality of our democracy, both through delivering lectures and in various writings.

"And he does not hesitate to express thoughts that may be uncomfortable for those who interfere with our democracy," Anies said, according to Antara.

In addition, he also remembers the figure of Azyumardi Azra as a very simple person.

"When he was an adviser to the vice president, there were many activities together, and he was very simple. One of the things we all remember, when he went everywhere, his bag was the smallest, he carried the least; but he had the most knowledge of all," he said.

Despite always appearing simple, Azyumardi has broad insight and moderate thinking.

"So, (he) discusses the most, but if he brings anything it is always simple. Even going for a long time is simple by nature. So, he is a very simple person in his daily life, but has broad and deep thoughts," he added.

He also believes that Azyumardi Azra died in a state of husnul khotimah. "We believe that he, God willing, the late Husnul Khatimah and his family will be given strength and fortitude," said Anies.

Azyumardi's body was dispatched to the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (TMP), South Jakarta, after a congregational prayer at the Harun Nasution Auditorium of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Tuesday, September 20 morning.