Mandela was Champion of Reconciliation: Indonesian President

Bangkalan, East Java (Antara) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed deep condolences over the death of former South African president and humanitarian Nelson Mandela here on Friday, saying he was a champion of reconciliation. "He was a champion of reconciliation, a true democrat, one of the world's leading humanitarians and a dedicated father. It is only appropriate that the Indonesian people and I pay tribute to the former South African president and express our deep condolences," he said at the Bangkalan district administration complex at the island of Madura, East Java. President Yudhoyono, who is on a working visit to Madura, said Mandela was an inspiration to humankind, who was renowned across the world for his struggle for equality, as well as his humanity and sincerity. "We are all amazed by President Mandela. He was thrown into jail for several years by a colonial regime. After the regime changed and the era of apartheid ended, he became president of the people of South Africa," he added. He noted: "Mandela led with his heart. There were no signs of anger or a desire for vengeance even after years of suffering in prison." "Mandela was even able to state that 'there is no future without forgiveness or apologies,'" he added. "That means he accepted what happened in the past and wanted his nation to unite, not waste time seeking vengeance. He wanted his country to grow peacefully and stay united," he said. Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95 on Thursday in South Africa. (*)