MFA Spokesman's Comments on the passing of Chairman of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council and former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas

In response to media queries on the passing of Chairman of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council and former Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, the MFA Spokesman said:

"Chairman of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council and Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Pak Ali Alatas passed away this morning in Singapore, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

The Ministry is deeply saddened to learn of Pak Ali Alatas' passing. We offer our sincere condolences to his widow and family. As Indonesia's Foreign Minister from 1988 to 1999, he was a well-respected statesman, in Indonesia, ASEAN and the rest of the international community. He was a firm believer in regional cooperation and a tireless promoter of ASEAN. He played a crucial role in drafting the ASEAN Charter.

Pak Ali will be greatly missed not just by Indonesians but by his many friends in Singapore and throughout the region and the world. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Prof S Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng and Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo had visited Pak Ali during his hospitalisation in Singapore.

Deputy Prime Minister Prof S Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Transport Raymond Lim and Ambassador-at-Large Prof Tommy Koh will pay their last respects to Pak Ali and offer their condolences to his family at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is currently in Bali attending the Bali Democracy Forum, will travel to Jakarta later today to pay his last respects to Pak Ali. Minister Yeo will be joined by his wife, Mrs Jennifer Yeo."