Diana had gracious character

Diana had gracious character

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1997, two friends and I, out of deep
respect for the late Princess of Wales, visited the British
embassy to sign the condolence book made available for the
public. We arrived early and managed to avoid the larger crowds
that came on subsequent days that same week.

Inside the building, we were met by two embassy officers, and
waited in a short line along with fellow Indonesians. After my
friends had signed, I walked to the condolence register, already
surrounded by flowers sent by individuals and companies, and
after signing my name, wrote down the words: "She was a wonderful
representative of the British nation." On a table nearby, I could
not help noticing a small blue envelope, sent from outside
Jakarta, inscribed with childish scrawl (in Indonesian): "For the
princes, William and Harry, c/o the British Embassy, Jakarta." It
was quite touching -- a child commiserating with the princes in
their sorrow.

I do not know where the condolence books and the many letters
expressing sadness will end up, but it is only apt that the
Indonesian people, like millions of citizens in other countries,
mourn the passing of a global icon -- she touched people's hearts
the way few people truly can.

Princess Diana, although she had her detractors, sincerely
cared about the less fortunate and downtrodden in our world.
Class was no barrier to friendship in her mind, neither was race,
religion, culture, background, or nationality. She tried to bring
up her sons so that they empathized with those who suffered --
taking her son William, for example, to visit shelters for the
homeless. Despite her fame, wealth, aristocracy, and opportunity
to hobnob with celebrities she still cared for people -- perhaps
more so than she cared for pomp, privilege, protocol, or even
palaces and polo. In this way she was different; she had
graciousness of character and exuded warmth in her personality --
one could call it genuine star quality. All who met Diana during
her 1989 trip to Indonesia have attested to this.

There was a postscript to our British embassy visit that day.
In order to show similar respect to Diana's companion Dodi Fayed,
we also call on the nearby Egyptian embassy. Our visit was
unexpected, but explaining our purpose, we were treated with
courtesy and hospitality by the Egyptian embassy officials there.
I made a minor mistake: I signed a message of condolence in the
guest book in the visa section. But it's probably the thought
that counts.

At the Fayed family-owned Harrod's store in London, a British
person had written this message: "Thank you, Dodi, for making our
princess happy."

We sincerely believe Princess Diana would approve of such a
tribute to her close friend, who died in the same tragic car
accident with her.

FARID BASKORO

Jakarta