Jombang, E Java,     - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has declared the late former president Abdurrahman Wahid  "Father of Pluralism" in recognition of the deceased's examplary ability to transcend the nation's multi-faceted diversity.

   "The nation has lost an outstanding  citizen , teacher, respected statesman and father. Today we, the entire Indonesian nation, are mourning over the demise of KH Abdurrahman Wahid who was popularly known as Gus Dur," Yudhoyono said as he led a state funeral for Gus Dur in the latter's hometown of Jombang, East Java, on Thursday.

    Gus Dur had earned a permanent niche in national history because of the role he played in the nation's  public affairs. Early in the 1990s, Gus Dur, along with a number of his colleagues formed a so-called Democracy Forum, the president said.

    "This forum has given us  lessons about strategies to exercise  democracy in an effort to create peace. He was also an influential figure at national and international level," he said.

    The pluralism and multiculturalism Gus Dur taught had  inspired not only  the Indonesian nation but also other nations, he said.

    "Therefore, Gus Dur is  the Father of Pluralism who  inspired  all of us. But as a human being, Gus Dur was not free from mistakes and shortcomings," he said.

   Gus Dur died during medication at Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital in Jakarta on Wednesday after suffering from complications caused by heart disease, kidney disorders and diabetes for years. He was 69.

   Born in Jombang on August 4, 1940, he is survived by his wife and four daughters.

   He served as the country`s fourth president from October 20, 1999 to August 24, 2001.

   The government on Wednesday night declared a week of national mourning  on the  former president's demise.

-Antara, 01 January 2010-