Alamsjah dies at age of 72

JAKARTA (JP): Former coordinating minister for people's welfare and minister of religious affairs Lt. Gen. (ret) Alamsjah Ratu Perwiranegara, died yesterday morning at the age of 72.

Alamsjah had been undergoing medical treatment for heart and asthma complications at the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC) hospital since Nov. 5.

He was buried with full military honors at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, South Jakarta, yesterday evening.

He is survived by his wife Siti Maemunah, and five children -- Jusuf Haery Utama, Muhammad Ali Muda, Soleh Bingsi Wijaya, Mas Mariam Nusa Gempita and Setiawati Pertiwi Dharma.

Born in Kotabumi, Lampung, Alamsjah held many prestigious posts in his military and civilian career.

Growing up in the colonial era, Alamsjah joined the independence struggle and quickly made a name for himself as an indelible fighter.

He earned various citations including Bintang Gerilya, Satya Lencana Perang Kemerdekaan, Bintang Mahaputera and Bintang Legiun Veteran.

He was installed in ministerial posts in two successive cabinets -- as the minister of religious affairs from 1978 to 1983 and the coordinating minister of people's welfare from 1983 to 1988.

Prior to that, Alamsjah held the post of ambassador to the Netherlands from 1972 to 1974.

Among those who paid homage at his residence yesterday on Jl. Pejaten Barat, South Jakarta, were President Soeharto, Vice President Try Sutrisno and former vice president Soedharmono, along with other high ranking officials.

Soedharmono said the nation had lost a very distinguished figure who had served the country's development, particularly in religious and political affairs.

Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said he deeply admired Alamsjah's fighting spirit.

"In the Armed Forces, he was a politician and strategic expert who could solve every problem based on his dedication and devotion to this nation," Tarmizi was quoted by Antara as saying. (09)