Hasjim Djalal Passed Away, Here is the Life Journey of the Indonesian Maritime Law Expert

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesia is once again in mourning over the loss of a very valuable figure in its maritime diplomacy history. Hasjim Djalal, a senior diplomat and internationally recognized maritime law expert, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta, at exactly 16:40 WIB. This sad news was conveyed by his son, Dino Patti Djalal, who is also a diplomat and former Deputy Foreign Minister, through his social media account on X.

"Prof. Dr. Hasjim Djalal has passed away today at 16:40 (WIB). The deceased was a diplomat who tirelessly advocated for the archipelagic perspective. Let us pray that his soul finds a noble place beside Allah SWT and that all his services to the Republic of Indonesia are always remembered fondly." Amin," wrote Dino in the post.

Hasjim Djalal was widely known for his dedication to advocating for the archipelagic state concept, which serves as the foundation for Indonesia's maritime sovereignty. He was one of the main architects behind the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which had a significant impact on the international recognition of Indonesia's maritime territory.

Currently, Hasjim Djalal's body is resting at the funeral home on Jalan Taman Cilandak III, South Jakarta. His passing leaves deep sorrow for his family and the Indonesian nation, which has lost one of its finest sons. Let us remember his contributions and the legacy that will always live in our hearts. Stay tuned for a complete profile of Hasjim Djalal on Monday, January 13, 2025.

1. Early Life and Education

Hasjim Djalal, born on February 25, 1934, in West Sumatra as the son of a farmer, grew up in a modest village without ever leaving his birthplace until he completed his high school education. Despite being surrounded by limited circumstances, his grand dream of becoming a diplomat never faded.

In 1956, he entered the Foreign Affairs Academy and a year later began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to his hard work, he received a scholarship to continue his studies at the University of Virginia, United States, where he earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees with a specialization in international law and maritime issues. The education he pursued became the foundation for Hasjim to formulate the concept of Wawasan Nusantara, a brilliant idea born from his observations of Indonesia's geopolitical dynamics in the 1950s.

2. Diplomatic Career and Early Contributions

After completing his education in the United States in 1961, Hasjim returned to his homeland and immediately engaged in the formation of the Indonesian Maritime Law Committee, which played an important role under the auspices of the Maritime Council in formulating national maritime policy.

His diplomatic career began in Belgrade as Second Secretary for Political Affairs in 1964, before continuing his duties in Guinea, where he was recognized as one of the African experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 1969, he was appointed as the Head of the International Law Division, further delving into crucial maritime legal issues. Between 1981 and 1993, Hasjim held the mandate as Indonesia's Ambassador to the UN, Canada, and Germany, utilizing his strategic position to elevate Indonesia's voice and interests on the world stage.

3. Role in UNCLOS 1982

One of the historic milestones marked by Hasjim Djalal is his brilliant contribution to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Together with Foreign Minister Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, he tirelessly advocated for international recognition of the archipelagic state concept promoted in the 1957 Juanda Declaration.

Thanks to this struggle, Indonesia's maritime sovereignty soared from 2 million to 5.8 million square kilometers, making Hasjim one of the principal architects of UNCLOS. This extraordinary legacy continues to have a profound impact on Indonesia to this day, affirming the country's position on the world stage.

4. Awards and Heritage

Hasjim Djalal, an irreplaceable figure in the world of maritime law, has received various prestigious awards, including the Bintang Mahaputera Utama, in recognition of his extraordinary dedication. He is not only a mentor who inspires the younger generation of Indonesian diplomats but also a skilled writer whose works have become important references in the study of maritime law.

Frequently invited as a speaker at international conferences, Hasjim enthusiastically shares his deep insights and experiences. As a patriot of the archipelago, the legacy he leaves behind is recognized and respected, both at home and on the global stage.

5. Memories and Loss

The passing of Hasjim Djalal leaves profound sorrow for his family, colleagues, and the Indonesian nation. His son, Dino Patti Djalal, remembers his father as an inspiring figure who never tired of fighting for the maritime sovereignty of the homeland. Currently, Hasjim's body is laid to rest at a funeral home in South Jakarta, while funeral arrangements will be announced later. The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, praised Hasjim as a pioneer of diplomacy who successfully elevated Indonesia's image on the international stage.

"With his expertise and abilities, he was able to resolve various crises faced by the nation, turning difficult challenges into opportunities," said Dave. Hasjim Djalal was not only a diplomat but also a symbol of Indonesia's struggle that will continue to be remembered and inspire future generations.

6. Q: What is Hasjim Djalal's greatest contribution to international maritime law?

Hasjim Djalal, an irreplaceable figure, has played a crucial role in advocating the idea of an archipelagic state, which has become the foundation for the recognition of Indonesia's maritime sovereignty in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). With a fervent fighting spirit, he asserted Indonesia's position on the world stage, making the ocean an inseparable part of the nation's identity and sovereignty.

7. What diplomatic positions has Hasjim Djalal held?

Hasjim, a person full of experience, has held important roles as Ambassador to the UN, Canada, and Germany, as well as serving as the Director General of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

8. What is the Juanda Declaration?

The Juanda Declaration, proclaimed in 1957, marked an important milestone in Indonesia's history, establishing that the waters connecting the islands of the archipelago are an inseparable part of national sovereignty.

(kpl/srr)