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