KBRN, Jakarta: Sad news comes from senior diplomat Hasjim Djalal, who passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025. During his lifetime, he was an Indonesian diplomat and expert in international maritime law.

"We regret to inform you that Ambassador Prof. Dr. Hasjim Djalal, a senior diplomat and advocate for the Nusantara outlook, breathed his last on Sunday, January 12 at 4:40 p.m. at Pondok Indah Hospital," said Dino Patti Djalal in a brief message, as quoted by rri.co.id.

"The deceased passed away peacefully, accompanied by his wife, children, grandchildren, and relatives. Thank you for all the attention, friendship, and prayers given to the deceased throughout his life," he said.

Hasjim Djalal served as Indonesia's Ambassador to the United Nations from 1981 to 1983, Ambassador to Canada from 1983 to 1985, and then as Ambassador to Germany from 1990 to 1993. He also held the position of special ambassador during the administrations of Presidents Suharto and BJ Habibie.

His legacy as a diplomat has been passed down to his second son, Dino Patti Jalal, who once served as Indonesia's Ambassador to the United States and is the founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).

So, what was the figure of the late Hasjim Djalal like during his lifetime? The following is his profile that has been summarized from various sources.

Profile of Hasjim Djalal

Senior diplomat and expert in maritime law, Hasjim Djalal was born on February 10, 1934, in Ampang Gadang, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. He dedicated his life to Indonesia by advocating for the archipelagic nation to have internationally recognized maritime sovereignty.

Hasjim completed his education up to high school in Sumatra and spent his childhood in a village. Growing up in a family of farmers did not discourage him from pursuing higher education.

Hasjim Djalal had high ambitions to achieve his dream of becoming a diplomat. In 1956, he continued his studies at the Foreign Service Academy and began his first career in Foreign Affairs Ministry.

In terms of his prominent career, Hasjim Djalal successfully obtained a scholarship from the government to pursue higher education at the University of Virginia, United States, earning both a Master's and Doctorate in international law focusing on maritime issues.

The education that Hasjim Djalal completed served as a foundation for securing a decent job. In 1950, he provided ideas based on his observations of Indonesia's geopolitical conditions as part of the Nusantara perspective.

With a strong educational background and experience during his tenure at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Hasjim Djalal introduced his thoughts on increasingly complex global challenges while contributing to the development of Indonesia's diplomacy on the international stage.

The soaring career and esteemed reputation of Hasjim Djalal in the diplomatic sphere fueled his high dedication. In 1964, he successfully held the position of The Indonesia Embassy's Political Affairs Secretary II in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Shortly after that role, Hasjim Djalal was assigned to Guinea and recognized as one of the experts on Africa at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. His illustrious career peaked in 1969 when he became the International Law Department Head, focusing on maritime law issues.

From 1981 to 1993, Hasjim Djalal served as Indonesia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Canada, and Germany. His strategic positions allowed other countries to view Indonesia through its maritime perspective on the international stage.

Hasjim Djalal's dedication to Indonesia in the maritime sector inspired him to generate numerous ideas, particularly regarding the concept of an archipelagic state in Indonesia. He was also one of the key architects of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

His thoughts had a significant impact, especially in recognizing Indonesia as an archipelagic nation acknowledged by the international community.

Books by Hasjim Djalal

Throughout his career, Hasjim Djalal produced works that are accessible to all audiences, particularly in the field of maritime studies. Some of his notable books include:

• Indonesian Struggle for the Law of the Sea (1979)

• Indonesia and the Law of the Sea (1995)

• Preventive Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Lessons Learned (2003)

After retiring in 1994, Hasjim Djalal became active in writing, especially books that provide insights and serve as a literacy forum for various audiences regarding Indonesia's maritime law issues.

He was subsequently interred at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on January 13, 2025.

The passing of the late Hasjim Djalal has brought sorrow to those around him, especially within the Indonesian government, as he dedicated himself fully to advocating for maritime issues in Indonesia.

His name will always be remembered, particularly in his roles as a senior diplomat and an expert in maritime law. ***