Friends and 'foes' have fond memories

JAKARTA (JP): Friends and 'foes' of B.M. Diah had fond memories of the man some considered tough and temperamental, yet who could be tender at times. Here are some of their comments:

Rosihan Anwar (journalist, co-founder of Merdeka): "We had conflicts in our profession, but we never held any grudges. We managed to stay friends. It was a strange relation indeed. He was temperamental and emotional."

Jakob Oetama (editor of Kompas who served with B.M. Diah in the Association of Indonesian Journalist in the 1970s): "We had our differences, but they never affected our relations. We continued to talk as usual."

Harmoko (Minister of Information and reporter for Merdeka in the 1960s): "He was my teacher in politics and journalism. I have the highest respect for him. He was always consistent in his attitude and deeds. He was tough but he could also be tender. It was this combination that made him a very wise person."

Mochtar Lubis (senior journalist): "We always differed in our political views, but at a personal level, we remained friends. He was an idealist press fighter who always pushed the Indonesian press to be professional. That's the B.M. Diah I remember."

Emil Salim (statesman, former cabinet minister): "It is appropriate to confer him the title of hero for the services and contribution he made in the independence struggle. I would ask the Ministry of Social Services to consider him for the award." (emb/31)