Gusdur Should Be Called a Hero

Gusdur died in the end of 2009 when people was going to celebrate new year. The end of his life marks the end of the year. However, his soul, dedication and services to the country will still exist. Here is a report from the Jakarta Globe:

Several politicians on Friday called for former President Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid to be named a national hero. Thousands across the country spent the first day of the new year dedicating prayers to the late leader after he was buried on Thursday.

Five major political parties have expressed support for Wahid, who died of health complications on Wednesday. They agree to give Gus Dur the title of “National Hero.” The parties are the National Awakening Party (PKB), which Wahid co-founded, United Development Party (PPP), Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) and Democratic Party.

PDI-P member Eva Kusuma Sundari said Wahid’s contributions to democracy should be recognized. “In recognition and respect, PDI-P proposes that the government give the title of National Hero to Gus Dur,” she was quoted as saying by online news portal detik.com.