Profile of a Foreign Minister

Profile of a Foreign Minister

Adam Malik, who served as Indonesian foreign minister during
the turbulent years of 1966 to 1977 and as Indonesian vice-
president between 1978 and 1983, was undoubtedly the most
versatile and colorful foreign minister ever known in the history
of our republic.

Born in Tapanuli, Sumatra, more than half a century ago, he
passed away on Sept. 5, 1984. Adam Malik, with his slender figure
and smiling face, was a classical diplomat and statesman who was
able to settle the most difficult problems patiently and with a
smile. By nature a humble and religious man, he could convince
even his most stubborn opponent to listen patiently to his
arguments and finally give in.

But Adam Malik was not only a born statesman and diplomat, but
also an excellent journalist, writer and connoisseur of art. He
was known for the sharpness of his pen, the logic of his
arguments and the symbol of a true revolutionary spirit among the
1945 generation.

In his outstanding career as an ambassador, foreign minister
and vice-president, he was charged with the tedious and difficult
task of leading the Indonesian people through various phases --
the struggle for West Irian, the establishment of ASEAN. His
diplomatic career peaked when he was chosen as president of the
General Assembly of the United Nations in 1971.

Adam Malik is the only Indonesian foreign minister so far to
have the privilege of serving as president of the nations of the
world. A German minister once shook hands with his host at Hotel
Indonesia and whispered softly in his ear, calling him the ex-
president of the world. The comment was accompanied with a broad
smile.

A political commentator described Adam Malik on Voice of
America as one of the most colorful and eloquent foreign
ministers in Southeast Asia.

The most embarrassing moment protocol officers had to endure
when arranging social functions in honor of foreign dignitaries
was that Adam Malik often appeared late.

As one of the junior protocol officers, I still vividly
remember the embarrassing moment when all the guests were present
and the dinner was served but Adam Malik was absent. It isn't
surprising at all that our suits became wet with perspiration.
And when you were on the brink of a mental breakdown from
embarrassment and desperation, Pak Adam appeared, walking calmly
into the dining room, charming as always, as if nothing had
happened in this good world.

Admirable too was his health: indefatigable, tireless. Even
after an endless journey across continents and oceans he could be
as fresh as ever, always smiling on the stairs of the plane.

His philosophy of life, spiced with humor, was manifested by
his saying "everything can be arranged". On the occasion of
Indonesia's 50 year commemoration, it is fitting indeed that we
honor and remember this great patriot, whose success was due to
his conviction that he was serving the people, the same people
with which he shared destiny during the turbulence of the great
revolution, and that his country, his beloved Indonesia should
occupy its rightful place among the nations of the world.

HADI MARTOYO

Jakarta