Independence pioneer Hamid Algadri dies aged 87

Independence pioneer Hamid Algadri dies aged 87

Hamid Algadri, a freedom fighter and chairman of an
organization of Indonesian independence pioneers, died early
yesterday at Medistra Hospital. He was 87.

He was buried in a simple ceremony led by Minister of Foreign
Affair Ali Alatas yesterday afternoon at Tanah Kusir Public
Cemetery in South Jakarta. He is survived by his wife, four
children and six grandchildren.

According to relatives, Hamid died of old age. He had been
undergoing treatment at the hospital for five days.

Born on July 10, 1910 in Pasuruan, East Java, Hamid played a
significant role in Indonesia's struggle for independence and in
the birth of the Republic of Indonesia.

In 1930, he became a member of Jong Islamieten Bond, a youth
movement pushing for Indonesia's freedom.

Hamid, who was of Arab descent, later joined the Indonesia-
Arab Union (PAI) which sought to unite people of Arab descent and
local citizens in their fight for independence.

Hamid was also advisor to the Round Table conference in The
Hague on Dec. 27, 1949 which worked out an agreement for the
transfer of sovereignty from The Netherlands to the then Republic
of the United States of Indonesia.

Indonesia was a united states country before it became a
republic on Sept. 6, 1950.

Between 1950 and 1955, Hamid was an elected member of the
House of Representatives from the Indonesian Socialist Party
(PSI) faction.

Hamid was also recognized internationally for his efforts. He
was awarded the Nishan Iftigar and L'ordre Du Merite National
stars from the Tunisian and Algerian governments respectively for
his contribution in the countries' struggle for independence.

Among those who paid their last respects at Hamid's residence
on Jl. Dr. Kusumaatmadja in Central Jakarta, were Minister of
Finance Mar'ie Muhammad, Coordinating Minister for Economy and
Finance Saleh Affif, Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad
Djiwandono, and Director General of Tax Fuad Bawazier.

Also present were former cabinet minister Emil Salim, the
family of economic guru Soemitro Djojohadikusumo, Secretary of
Development Operations Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono, Army special
forces (Kopassus) chief Maj. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta
Regional Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin,
and President Soeharto's youngest daughter Siti Hutami
Adiningsih. (09)