RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has lost one of its most respected diplomat-scholars with the passing of Eddy Pratomo, former Ambassador to Germany (2009–2013) and a leading authority on international maritime law, who died on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the age of 72.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death through social media, noting his contributions as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Pancasila University and Professor of Maritime Law at Diponegoro University.

“May his deeds be accepted by God Almighty, and may his family be granted strength and patience,” the ministry wrote on Instagram, as quoted by Antara.

Eddy Pratomo played a pivotal role in strengthening Indonesia-Germany relations, including the commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic ties, and was deeply involved in maritime boundary negotiations.

He also served as Director General of International Law and Treaties at the Foreign Affairs Ministry and as Special Presidential Envoy for Indonesia-Malaysia maritime delimitation.

Since 2020, he had led the Faculty of Law at Pancasila Universitas while continuing his academic work. In May 2025, the Indonesian government nominated him as a candidate for judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, ITLOS adjudicates disputes under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), covering issues such as maritime boundaries, resource exploitation, and environmental protection.

His candidacy was seen as Indonesia’s effort to represent the interests of developing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia. That hope ended with his passing, just weeks before the election of seven ITLOS judges scheduled for June in New York.

Former Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi described him as a “rare diplomat who never stopped learning". Eddy Pratomo, also the author of Diplomat Kesasar, died at Mandaya Hospital in Tangerang, Banten, on the morning of April 29, 2026.

Indonesia is mourning the loss of former ambassador to Germany and senior diplomat and legal expert Eddy Pratomo, who passed away at the age of 72 on April 29, leaving behind a legacy in international law and maritime diplomacy.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a social media statement.

“May his good deeds be accepted by God Almighty, and may his family be granted strength and patience,” the ministry said, as quoted by Antara.

Eddy Pratomo was a leading expert in international law who played a key role in strengthening Indonesia-Germany relations, including during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He was also actively involved in maritime boundary negotiations.

Over his career, he served as Director General of Legal Affairs and International Treaties at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as Special Envoy of the President for Indonesia-Malaysia maritime boundary negotiations.

In academia, he was a professor of maritime law at Diponegoro University and served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Pancasila University from 2020 until his passing in 2026.

In May last year, Eddy was nominated by the Indonesian government as a candidate for judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term.

ITLOS is an independent international court established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), tasked with resolving disputes related to maritime law, including resource exploration, environmental protection, and legal interpretations of the convention.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, the tribunal plays a crucial role in maintaining global maritime order and justice.

Indonesia viewed Eddy’s candidacy as part of its effort to represent developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, those hopes ended with his passing ahead of the election for seven ITLOS judge positions scheduled in June in New York.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi described Eddy as a dedicated diplomat and lifelong learner. He passed away at Mandaya Hospital in Tangerang, Banten. ***