Indonesians mourn Diana's death

JAKARTA (JP): The government and public joined the world community yesterday in mourning the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

"We are saddened by the news and send our condolences to the bereaved family," foreign ministry spokesman Gaffar Fadyl said yesterday on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas.

Shock and regret were expressed by many Indonesians, including those who met Diana during her visit with Prince Charles to Jakarta and Yogyakarta in November 1989.

Mrs. Muso, in her 80s, who was Diana's guide during her visit to Yogyakarta: "How could the life of such a lovely princess be so short. One of my unforgettable memories is when she asked me if the 10 dancers were actually mannequins because of their beauty.

Fitri, 15, student: "What a tragic death! I don't know much about her, but she looked very nice and had beautiful blue eyes. She also paid great attention to children all over the world. I feel sorry for her two boys because they are very young and naturally still need their mother."

Ghea Sukarya Panggabean, a fashion designer and one of 12 Indonesian women invited to a lunch for Princess Diana during her visit here: "I am deeply grieved at her death and I really miss her. Princess Di is an unforgettable figure to me. Although I only met her once at the lunch, I was deeply impressed by her personality as a woman, mother and princess. She was spontaneous and acted the way she really was. She had a troubled life but somehow she managed to overcome the sorrow. She had such a strong will. Sadly, she died the way she lived, encircled by the paparazzi. She just did not have a moment of her own."

Astari Harun Alrasjid, an artist, who also attended the lunch for Diana: "It is tragic. I'm very sorry. She was very human. I dropped my bag when I stood up after the lunch and Diana picked it up for me. Imagine, a princess doing that for me! She allowed us to take photographs with her although the embassy staff had forbidden it. She had such a simple attitude and she was unpretentious. Unfortunately, she could not get by in her life."

Broto Wasisto, an expert staff member at the Ministry of Health who accompanied Diana on her visit to the Sitanala leprosarium in Tangerang: "I feel very sorry at hearing the news and I miss her. She was famous for her initiative to eradicate the stigma about leprosy. When she visited the Sitanala leprosarium, she sent a message to everyone that people should not be afraid of lepers. You know, she just sat on the lepers' beds and shook their hands."

Bill Saragih, a noted jazz musician: "I was in shock and could not believe the news. I admit that I cried. She had a kind of an inner beauty which was hard to find in other famous women in the world. She belonged to the whole world, not just Britain. She didn't deserve to die that way, but there is nothing we can do.

Darwis Triadi, a professional photographer: "She was the most powerful public relations officer for the British government. That is why the paparazzi always ran after her. Our culture is different. Local photographers might hunger for gossip on public figures but they would never harass the people -- especially if he or she has high or royal status like Diana -- like the British paparazzi do. I think she was a rare type of woman, loved and honored by many."

Meanwhile, British Ambassador D.R.C. Christopher could not be reached for comment yesterday evening.

An embassy source said the ambassador was on a trip to West Java and was scheduled to return today.

A duty officer at the embassy who asked not to be named said: "We don't have any comment at the moment because it's still in a very early stage. We'll issue an official statement soon." (09/cst/22/ste/bsr)