Gus Dur, The Humanitarian Champion of Human Rights. Dive into this article to uncover the perspective of Gus Dur's youngest daughter regarding her father's character and the commemoration of the 1000th day since his passing.
Gus Dur holds a revered place in Indonesian history. He served as the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia and was widely recognized as a defender of democracy and human rights. However, some have labeled him a pluralist, embracing religious and cultural diversity. Is this assessment accurate?
Youngest Daughter of Gus Dur: He's Not a Pluralist
Inayah Wulandari Wahid, the youngest daughter of Gus Dur, offers a different view compared to the public's perception of her father. According to Inayah, Gus Dur was not a pluralist but a humanitarian. Humanism emphasizes the values of humanity and human dignity.
Inayah asserts that Gus Dur never judged people based on their religion or ethnicity; he saw them as human beings. "When he staunchly defended the rights of the Chinese, Ahmadiyya, Christians, and other marginalized groups, he wasn't advocating for their ethnicity or faith but for their humanity. So, it's more accurate to call Gus Dur a humanitarian," says Inayah.
Inayah adds that Gus Dur never referred to himself as a pluralist. In fact, he wished for his tombstone to read, 'Here lies a Humanitarian.' Inayah also laments the tendency to underappreciate figures like Gus Dur during their lifetimes, only to acknowledge their significance after their passing. "Just look at Mahatma Gandhi from India, for example," Inayah points out.
Commemorating the 1000th Day Since Gus Dur's Passing
Inayah made these remarks during the commemoration of the 1000th day since Gus Dur's passing, organized by the Interfaith Community of Jombang. The event took place on the grounds of the Catholic Church in Jombang on Monday, October 15, 2012, and was attended by hundreds of guests, including Deputy Regent Widjono Soeparno, local Islamic scholars, and pastors.
The event was a joyous and intimate affair, featuring performances by a lion dance troupe, a children's keroncong orchestra, a women's choir, and an orchestra playing some of Gus Dur's favorite classical pieces, including Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." "I read that Gus Dur wished to hear 'Ode to Joy' before he passed," noted Aan Anshori, one of the event's organizers.
From this event, it was evident how significant Gus Dur's influence and love were to the people of Indonesia. He was an inspirational figure who encouraged many to stand up for truth and humanity. Gus Dur wasn't just a president; he was a humanitarian.
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