National figures pay tribute to economics guru Sumitro

JAKARTA (JP): A long list of the country's dignitaries paid tribute and saw off Indonesia's economic guru Sumitro Djojohadikusumo to his final resting place on Friday afternoon.

Sumitro, 84, died peacefully at Dharma Nugraha Hospital in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, at 00:02 a.m. He had been treated there for sometime over a heart problem.

He was laid to rest in the afternoon at Karet Tengsin public cemetery in South Jakarta.

Affectionately called Pak Cum by his colleagues, he is survived by his wife Dora Djojohadikusomo and four children: Biantinigsih, who is married to former Bank Indonesia Governor Sudradjad Djiwandono; Marjani Ekowati Le' Maistre, Prabowo Subianto who was married to former president Soeharto's daughter Siti Hediyati and Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo.

In an occasion befitting a national hero, the family's house in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta was inundated with national figures.

Many forgot their own political bickering for a few brief moments to pay homage.

Among those present were President Abdurrahman Wahid, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, House of Representatives speaker Akbar Tandjung, the Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin, the Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D.

Also seen were close relatives and associates of the family such as former vice president Try Sutrisno, and former ministers Soebroto, Emil Salim, Fuad Hasan, and Ali Alatas, and Bank Indonesia governor Sjahril Sabirin.

"He was a great man," the President said.

"He was a savior of this nation during difficult times and we mourn this loss," he added.

No less gracious in his praise was Amien Rais who described Sumitro as "a brilliant economist and thinker."

"This nation was very lucky to have him," Amien remarked.

Former Mines and Energy Minister Subroto lauded Sumitro for his consistent conviction for a socialist economy who, despite the odds, not only survived but thrived.

"He was a fighter who never backed down from any situation. He always managed to survive in difficult situations during his time as a statesman, a politician, an economist, a businessman and as a father," Subroto said.

Try Sutrisno highlighted his deep passion and love for the country.

"He had this great passion about Indonesia, but unfortunately part of his dream and concept about an economy for the people was never achieved," Try said.

Before being taken to the cemetery, his family accorded Sumitro with a traditional Javanese blobosan ceremony, in which members of his family walked under the coffin, including Prabowo, his wife and their son Ragowo Hedi Prasetyo.

Mourning

The loss of Sumitro was obviously very hard on the family.

"I cannot explain my feelings right now. I wished to do so many things in life to make him proud of me. He is my mentor and he taught me so many things," Prabowo said.

"I was just getting my life back together again because of him. Papi always had confidence in me," Prabowo whispered with tears in his eyes.

Close relatives recalled his habit of calling his grandchildren "princes" and "princesses".

"We used to call him Caesar," said one of Sumitro's relatives, referring to the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar.

The funeral procession commenced after Friday prayers. The line of accompanying cars to the cemetery was over one-kilometer long.

Officially representing the government were Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli.

"Throughout his life, Pak Sumitro was someone who held strong discipline and was productive. More than 130 books and papers have been written by him," Rizal said during a brief eulogy.

"As a bureaucrat, Pak Sumitro also dedicated himself to two administrations, one under Sukarno and the other under Soeharto. No one will doubt his services," Rizal said.

Prabowo in his parting words at the funeral expressed hope that the nation will remember his father's guidance in life, "to maintain a concept of the economy for the people and to preserve the unity of this state." (edt/02)