Friends and 'foes' have fond memories

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)