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Former Indonesian president Habibie dies, aged 83

JAKARTA — Former Indonesian president B J Habibie has died at age 83, Indonesian newspaper Kompas reported on Wednesday (Sept 11).

JAKARTA — Former Indonesian president B J Habibie died on Wednesday (Sept 11) at age 83, Indonesian newspaper Kompas reported.

He has been under intensive care after being hospitalised for several health problems at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Jakarta.

Habibie was Indonesia’s third president, taking over from President Suharto and holding office from May 21, 1998 to Oct 20, 1999.

Habibie had famously described Singapore as a “little red dot” compared with Indonesia.

The remark, in August 1998, was seen as disparaging by Singaporeans and their leaders, but Habibie later said that he had been misquoted.

In September 2006, speaking to reporters after a seminar at the Islamic Development Bank at Marina Mandarin, Habibie said he was trying to inspire Indonesian youths to learn from Singapore.

“'In a lecture to the Indonesian youths, I told them to take Singapore as an example. They are just a dot but their performance (is) excellent,” he said then. “'I said... they have vision. Come to Changi; they are hardworking, disciplined, and so on. They are based on human resources. You have everything, but are fighting each other. You should be ashamed.”

Habibie came to power during the country's turbulent transition to democracy after former strongman leader Suharto stepped down in 1998.

An engineer by training, Habibie succeeded Suharto as Indonesia's third president only months after becoming his deputy, just as the country was descending into a chaotic period of rioting and economic upheaval.

His tenure was marked by his agreeing to a referendum for the people of former Portuguese colony East Timor.

Indonesian troops invaded in December 1975 and the following year annexed East Timor as its 27th province.

But Habibie abruptly changed longheld policy in January 1999 and said East Timor could have independence if it rejected autonomy within Indonesia. The East Timorese later voted for independence, unleashing a wave of violence.

Habibie was also known for his quest to turn Indonesia into a technological powerhouse, including trying to develop a national aircraft industry.

He held power for 17 months until Abdurrahman Wahid became president. Abdurrahman died on Dec 30, 2009.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Habibie's passing while on the way to Jakarta for a working visit.

Mr Teo said he paid his respects upon arrival and offered his condolences to Habibie's family. 

"He will be remembered for leading Indonesia during a difficult period, his love for country, passion for aircraft engineering & steadfast belief in public service," wrote Mr Teo. AGENCIES

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