Hero Utomo Kuntjoro-Jakti dies

JAKARTA (JP): Dr. Hero Utomo Kuntjoro-Jakti, one of Indonesia's leading international relations experts and director of the Center for Japanese Studies at the University of Indonesia, passed away Monday night at the age of 51.

He died at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital three days after surgery on an ulcer. He was buried yesterday morning at a family cemetery in Rangkasbitung, Banten, West Java, yesterday morning.

He is survived by his wife, Ani Widyani, and a two-and-a-half year-old baby daughter.

Hero earned a doctorate degree in political sciences from the University of Washington in 1988.

Prior to his recent position, Hero was head of the International Relations Department at the University of Indonesia (UI).

He did several studies on international relations between Indonesia and other countries, particularly East Asian nations.

His brother, economist Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, recalled Hero as a good discussion mate especially when it came to talks on East Asian states.

Yusron Ihza, a journalist, fondly remembered his former teacher: "He was my teacher when I studied at the school of sociopolitical sciences at UI in 1978, and somehow we became friends afterwards."

Among those who paid their respects yesterday were University of Indonesia rector M.K. Tadjudin, historian Taufik Abdullah, former director of PT Freeport Ali Budiardjo, economist Sjahrir and representatives from several foreign ambassadors. (09)