"Rosihan dared to say the truth amidst threats."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Former foreign affairs minister Alwi Shihab said he considered Rosihan Anwar as a journalist who dared to voice the truth and had strong principles.

"Rosihan dared to say the truth amidst threats. Despite the changing political dynamism, he was always in the front line in voicing the truth," he said after paying his last respects to the late Rosihan at Menteng , Central Jakarta, Thursday.

Rosihan was a very productive and idealistic journalist, Alwi said, adding that he had continued to produce his works despite his old age.

"The younger generation could learn a lot from him and should read his articles. We lost a great national pressman," he said.

Also paying their last respects were Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Meutia Hatta, former information minister Harmoko, politican AM Fatwa, and actor Dedy Mizwar.

Rosihan Anwar died on Thursday morning at MMC Hospital, Jakarta.

The journalist of three eras had begun his journalistic career during the Dutch colonial era with the Asia Raya newspaper. He underwent a bypass surgery at Harapan Kita cardiac hospital on March 24, 2011 and was allowed to leave the hospital on April 13.

He had led Siasat daily from 1947 to 1957, and Pedoman from 1948 to 1961. Rosihan was a founder of the Indonesian Journalists` Association (PWI) and became PWI chairman from 1968 to 1974.

The senior journalist is survived by three children - Aida Fatia, Omar Luthfi and Naila.

He was born in Kubang Nan Dua, West Sumatra, on May 10, 1922, and known as a historian, man of letters and culture.

Ilham Bintang, secretary of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI)`S Honorary Council, said Rosihan Anwar felt week when his daughter was feeding him.

"His family later brought Rosihan Anwar to MMC Jakarta," Ilham Bintang said.

When they arrived at the hospital, the doctor pronounced him dead.

Rosihan had a heart bypass surgery at Harapan Kita cardiac hospital in Jakarta on March 24, 2011.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011