RI feedom ally dies at 81

JAKARTA (JP): Biju Patnaik, an Indian leader known for his strong support of Indonesia during its fledgling republic days, died Thursday at the age of 81 in New Delhi.

The former minister in the Indian government and former chief minister of Orissa, a state in eastern India, was born in Cuttack, Orissa, on March 5, 1916.

Patnaik is remembered for his support for Indonesia's freedom movement. In 1995, the Indonesian government presented him the Bintang Jasa Utama award in recognition of his contribution to Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule.

In the post-World War II period, Patnaik, then a pilot, defied the Dutch ban and landed in the town of Bukittinggi and flew Indonesian leaders in his Dakota plane from Indonesia to India.

He also ran a couple of sorties to Indonesia which helped the infant republic not only defy the blockade the Dutch had imposed on them, but also receive essential supplies, like medicine.

"Throughout his life, Patnaik remained a friend and supporter of Indonesia and its people," according to a press release by the Indian embassy. (swe)