Once they assumed power many of my close friends would often alter their stance toward me, become indifferent, or even declare that I'm their enemy. Wahid was an important exception. Even when he was president of Indonesia (the first to do so through the democratic process) he remained steadfast in our friendship. He had even invited me to be a guest at the presidential palace.

I had an opportunity to bring a group of Indonesian Buddhist youths (many of them of Chinese ethnicity and marginalized by the mainstream Muslim community) to meet with and talk to Wahid. They all admitted that Wahid was more Buddhist than they were. Despite numerous calls to crack down on oppositional groups, Wahid stated that it was easy for those in power to deploy violence. However, nonviolence-which was more difficult-was the correct and proper mode of engagement.

I also brought the special envoy of the Dalai Lama to have an audience with Wahid. Wahid promised to discuss the problem of Tibet with the vice president of China when the latter was in Indonesia for a state visit. Wahid was perhaps the first head of state to have done so. (Jimmy Carter openly raised the cause of Tibet with China only when he was no longer US president.)

Wahid and I were colleagues in the Asian NGO networks since the early 1970s. We both helped establish the Asian Cultural Forum on Development, which I later served as coordinator and Wahid acted as a board member. We met each other regularly in meetings, activities, etc. We attempted to infuse developmental work with spirituality. Though we were from different religions we respected one another sincerely.

Wahid often proclaimed that Brahmanism and Buddhism had deep roots in Indonesia. Indonesia only became a Muslim country in the past few centuries. Therefore a good Muslim in Indonesia must not neglect these ties with the Indian subcontinent. They are woven into the national culture of Indonesia. Aesthetically this can be seen in the influences of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Although the power of Buddhism has considerably waned in Indonesia, its substance-nonviolence-must not be neglected. Therefore Wahid urged all politicians to tread the path of nonviolence, which would help cultivate political transformation for the better.

Wahid greatly respected Mahatma Gandhi. He employed both truthfulness and nonviolence in governing Indonesia. He initiated a process that ultimately culminated in peace in Aceh. He openly apologized to the inhabitants of Aceh and East Timor.

The Thai government once asked me to help resolve the conflicts in the deep south. In turn, I went to Wahid for consultation and assistance. At that time, Wahid was no longer president. But he still served as a vital spiritual force and guiding light and possessed significant political influence and cultural appeal. Therefore he greatly aided our work. He also enabled me to develop important linkages in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the Thai government was not serious in pursuing this channel and the situation eventually spiraled out of control.

We celebrated the centenary of Pridi Banomyong's birth at roughly the same time as Wahid  became Indonesia's president. Although he was not invited by the Thai government Wahid attended the ceremony. He delivered a memorably address on Pridi while that of the then Thai prime minister was tepid and banal.

When I was under arrest on the charge of lese majeste Wahid wore the Thai "morhom" shirt wherever he went throughout Indonesia. When asked about the shirt he would reply that it signified the support he had for a special friend who was being persecuted by the powers that be.

Wahid was a beloved and virtuous friend. We had both criticized and cautioned one another on several occasions. We understood one another profoundly. I was also well acquainted with his wife and four daughters. He inherited the role of religious leader from his grandfather and father. Although he had no son his daughters are inclined to carry on his legacy, politically, religiously and culturally.

Wahid was a witty person with a good sense of humor. More importantly, he could often laugh at himself. He could make somber and grim-faced people talk to him in a relaxed manner. This is an art that is not easy to match and is one of his ingenuities.

He was a superb local administrator and grassroots organizer. He could bring in and lead millions of people. His activism profoundly challenged the dictatorship in Indonesia. But as a national leader Wahid was a failure. This was partly due to the entrenched power of the old elites who collaborated with external agents.  

He was removed from power on the false charge of corruption. In fact he was perhaps the most honest Indonesian leader. Of course his administration wasn't agile and dynamic. But was this a sufficient reason to remove him from the presidency?

Wahid had poor health. But his mind and will were strong. He was a religious man who could grasp the heart of religion. He was at one with God in a humble and simple manner. He was ever sincere and compassionate to everyone he came into contact with.

I am very proud to have had a dear and virtuous friend like Abdurrahman Wahid who passed away at the age of 69 on 30 December 2009. It was a terrible loss for me and for his friends worldwide. Even in Indonesia Wahid's political opponents paid homage to him and mourned over his passing.

Sulak Sivaraksa

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