Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has lost one of its best sons after the passing of former security minister Gen (ret) Feisal Tanjung, 73, on Monday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said.

Feisal passed away at Siloam hospital here at 6.25 am local time after suffering from an ailment.

"Today we lost one of our best sons, the late General (ret) Feisal Tanjung who has given significant contributions to the state, nation, and the Defense Forces (TNI)," the president said after paying his last respect to Feisal at the house of mourning on Taman Patra street, Kuningan, in South Jakarta.

According to the head of state, Feisal had a spirit and commitment to advancing the TNI.

"I know him well because for more than 10 years I have worked under his leadership to advance and modernize the TNI through the doctrine, education, training, and battle tasks," Yudhoyono said.

Meanwhile, a TNI spokesman Rear Admiral Iskandar Sitompul said the Indonesian Defense Forces has expressed deep condolences because Feisal had given his significant contribution to the TNI.

The remains of Feisal Tanjung would be buried at Kalibata Heroes` Cemetery in southern Jakarta, at noon on Monday after his body was laid in state at his residence at Patra Jasa, Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Feisal Tanjung was the ninth Indonesian Defense Forces Chief during the period 1993-1998.

Born in Tarutung, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, on June 17, 1939, Feisal Tanjung was the Coordinating minister for the political and security affairs from March 1998 to October 1999, during the administrations of president Soeharto and BJ Habibie.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013