Profile of a Foreign Minister<\/p>\n
Adam Malik, who served as Indonesian foreign minister during
\nthe turbulent years of 1966 to 1977 and as Indonesian vice-
\npresident between 1978 and 1983, was undoubtedly the most
\nversatile and colorful foreign minister ever known in the history
\nof our republic.<\/p>\n
Born in Tapanuli, Sumatra, more than half a century ago, he
\npassed away on Sept. 5, 1984. Adam Malik, with his slender figure
\nand smiling face, was a classical diplomat and statesman who was
\nable to settle the most difficult problems patiently and with a
\nsmile. By nature a humble and religious man, he could convince
\neven his most stubborn opponent to listen patiently to his
\narguments and finally give in.<\/p>\n
But Adam Malik was not only a born statesman and diplomat, but
\nalso an excellent journalist, writer and connoisseur of art. He
\nwas known for the sharpness of his pen, the logic of his
\narguments and the symbol of a true revolutionary spirit among the
\n1945 generation.<\/p>\n
In his outstanding career as an ambassador, foreign minister
\nand vice-president, he was charged with the tedious and difficult
\ntask of leading the Indonesian people through various phases --
\nthe struggle for West Irian, the establishment of ASEAN. His
\ndiplomatic career peaked when he was chosen as president of the
\nGeneral Assembly of the United Nations in 1971.<\/p>\n
Adam Malik is the only Indonesian foreign minister so far to
\nhave the privilege of serving as president of the nations of the
\nworld. A German minister once shook hands with his host at Hotel
\nIndonesia and whispered softly in his ear, calling him the ex-
\npresident of the world. The comment was accompanied with a broad
\nsmile.<\/p>\n
A political commentator described Adam Malik on Voice of
\nAmerica as one of the most colorful and eloquent foreign
\nministers in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n
The most embarrassing moment protocol officers had to endure
\nwhen arranging social functions in honor of foreign dignitaries
\nwas that Adam Malik often appeared late.<\/p>\n
As one of the junior protocol officers, I still vividly
\nremember the embarrassing moment when all the guests were present
\nand the dinner was served but Adam Malik was absent. It isn't
\nsurprising at all that our suits became wet with perspiration.
\nAnd when you were on the brink of a mental breakdown from
\nembarrassment and desperation, Pak Adam appeared, walking calmly
\ninto the dining room, charming as always, as if nothing had
\nhappened in this good world.<\/p>\n
Admirable too was his health: indefatigable, tireless. Even
\nafter an endless journey across continents and oceans he could be
\nas fresh as ever, always smiling on the stairs of the plane.<\/p>\n
His philosophy of life, spiced with humor, was manifested by
\nhis saying \"everything can be arranged\". On the occasion of
\nIndonesia's 50 year commemoration, it is fitting indeed that we
\nhonor and remember this great patriot, whose success was due to
\nhis conviction that he was serving the people, the same people
\nwith which he shared destiny during the turbulence of the great
\nrevolution, and that his country, his beloved Indonesia should
\noccupy its rightful place among the nations of the world.<\/p>\n
HADI MARTOYO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/profile-of-a-foreign-minister-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }