Nation mourns Gus Dur on 15th death anniversary; family, supporters mark the day with prayers, ceremonies across Java.
A wave of remembrance and reflection swept across Indonesia today as the nation marked the 15th death anniversary of former President Abdurrahman Wahid, fondly known as Gus Dur. The revered leader, who served as the country’s fourth president from 1999 to 2001, was remembered for his wisdom, humor, and immense love for Indonesia.
In Jakarta, the family of the late president led a prayer and commemoration event at the Gus Dur Istora serai in Cikini, Central Jakarta. Yenny Wahid, Gus Dur’s daughter, delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing her father’s commitment to pluralism and unity in diversity. She also used the occasion to call upon the government to reverse the recent increase in the Value Added Tax (PPN) to 11%, citing the potential burden it might pose on the people.
“Our father always stood for the common people. Today, we remember him and ask the government to consider the poor and working class in their decisions,” Yenny said.
Across Java, supporters and admirers of Gus Dur held similar events, reciting prayers and sharing stories about the late leader’s life and contributions. In Yogyakarta, the Tali Tasbih community organized a ‘Haul Gus Dur ke-15’ event, urging attendees to embrace the spirit of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika‘, Indonesia’s official motto, which translates to “Unity in Diversity“.
Meanwhile, Pramono, a long-time friend and aide of Gus Dur, shared an anecdote from their time together. He recalled how Gus Dur had once asked then-President Megawati Sukarnoputri to be his running mate, a proposition that was reportedly met with laughter from Megawati. Pramono alsofondly remembered Gus Dur’s love for simple food, famously requesting nasi goreng (fried rice) even while fulfilling his presidential duties.
In a sign of the enduring legacy of Gus Dur, many Indonesians took to social media to share their thoughts and memories of the late president. Hashtags such as #GusDurKe15, #ckaDuras ( Remembering Gus Dur), and #BhinnekaTunggalIka trended throughout the day, demonstrating the strong emotional connection Indonesians still hold for their beloved ‘father of democracy’.
Gus Dur’s passing on December 30, 2009, left a void in Indonesian politics, but his spirit lives on, encapsulated in the country’s constitution and the principles of democracy, tolerance, and unity that he championed throughout his life. Today, on the 15th anniversary of his death, Indonesia paid tribute to a leader who, despite his physical frailty, stood tall as a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions.
As the sun set on another solemn anniversary, Indonesians looked back on the life and legacy of Gus Dur, drawing strength and resolve from his unwavering commitment to the nation and its people.
