Eternal Flame of Nation’s Torch

KOMPAS/HARIS FIRDAUS

Ahmad Syafii Maarif

The passing of Ahmad Syafii Maarif on Friday (27/5/2022) is a big loss for the Indonesian people. His humility and perseverance in upholding diversity are eternal examples.

News of Syafii’s death was first conveyed by Muhammadiyah executive chairman Haedar Nashir.

Syafii, the former Muhammadiyah general chairman in 1998-2005, died at 10:15 a.m. on Friday at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital in Sleman, Yogyakarta.

Familiarly called Buya Syafii, he was in critical condition after receiving treatment for a heart condition over several days. Earlier in March, Buya was hospitalized after suffering a mild heart attack. However, Buya was released because his condition had improved.

"This is a big loss for the Indonesian people," said Haedar, who had visited Buya before he was called home by Sang Khalik, Allah the Almighty.

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> Ahmad Syafii Maarif

The body of the 87-year-old national figure was laid out for a wake at Kauman Grand Mosque in the city of Yogyakarta. A number of figures and officials came to pay their last respects and pray for Buya, including President Joko Widodo, who came to the wake with State Secretary Pratikno.

Representing the nation, the President escorted Buya to his final resting place at Husnul Khotimah Muhammadiyah Cemetery in Kulon Progo.

"He is the nation's teacher. And, as I view it, he lived simply. He was the best cadre of Muhammadiyah who always spoke about diversity and always spoke about tolerance between religious communities," the President said.

National figures also felt loss over Buya’s passing, including Indonesia’s 5th president, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Buya's death did not only leave Muhammadiyah with a deep sense of grief Association, but also all children of the nation. National figures also felt loss over Buya’s passing, including Indonesia’s 5th president, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

“When we delivered the news of Buya's death to Megawati Soekarnoputri, she cried very sadly. Buya was [...] Megawati’s friend, as well as the BPIP [Pancasila Ideology Development Board]," said secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

Megawati and Buya had a close relationship. The two of them fought together for Pancasila development as members of the BPIP Steering Committee.

For Megawati, Buya’s death means the loss of a statesman who was a mirror of intellectualism. A pious and humble man, he was part of the nation's moral strength and provided an example of ethical living for the nation and state.

KOMPAS/AGNES THEODORA

Megawati Soekarnoputri

Executive chairperson K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf of Nahdlatul Ulama said the responsibility to continue Buya's vision and ideals now rested on the shoulders of all the nation's children.

Loss

Buya Syafii's closeness to all groups, regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, and tribal affiliation, also made interfaith leaders feel his loss.

Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) chairman Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmojo remembered Buya as a leader who built a very strong sense of brotherhood through his love for the country and his character of nurturing caring for each other. At various seminars and interfaith discussions, Buya always brought a flexible and friendly atmosphere. His sincerity was felt in every encounter.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO (PRI)

Cardinal Ignatius SuharyoUskup

Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) chairman Rev. Gomar Gultom visited the Grand Mosque to express his condolences and final respects on behalf of all Christians in the country.

Buya was also admired and respected by many for his humbleness. Even though he was close to the country's dignitaries, he often refused the various facilities offered. Buya preferred to ride a bicycle to buy groceries in his neighborhood in Nogotirto, Gamping.

Ma'arif Institute executive director A. Rohim Ghazali said Buya loved the Indonesian people very much. "His aspiration was that this country would continue to exist, at least until the day before the Apocalypse," he said.

PGI plans to propose that Buya Syafii be declared a National Hero for his many contributions and service to the nation. But in reality, even without the title of National Hero, Buya was a hero for many people. He inspired many people in weaving Indonesianness. Thoughts, ideas, ideals, and exemplary life principles were his torches for this country. Farewell, Buya Syafi. (KOMPAS TEAM)

(This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo)