Ali Alatas to launch 'Voice for Just Peace'

Former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas will launch on Thursday evening a book titled A Voice for a Just Peace, which contains a collection of his speeches.

A group of distinguished panelists will also discuss the book at the ceremony to be held at Graha Niaga in Central Jakarta.

Among the panelists will be former minister of defense Juwono Sudarsono, former ambassador to France and Australia Wirjono Sastrohandojo, and former ambassador to Australia Sabam Siagian who is also editor-at-large of The Jakarta Post.

Alatas was Indonesia's longest serving foreign minister for over 11 years. He officially ended his diplomatic career in 1999.

Apart from being known as one of Asia's most accomplished and respected diplomats, he also built a reputation for his eloquence and luminous ideas.

The book launch is open to the public and will be a rare occasion to come face-to-face and explore the mind of one of Indonesia's most celebrated chief diplomats.

Invitations can be obtained by calling 252-1272 extension 1746. --JP