RIP Benedict Richard O’Gorman Anderson (26/8/1936 – 13/12/2015 )

We are deeply saddened this morning by the sudden news that our dearly Pak Ben passed away. He died quietly during his sleep at night after a visit to his favorite Jolotundo Temples in Malang, East Java.

The sadness over Pak Ben death was also connected to a feeling of what he had said a few days ago about Indonesia, the first country of his study during his early career as Indonesianist, about the “anak-anak” (the youth), and of what he said that “the most important thing is to be more creative.” He said it with a kind face that will remain forever in our memory.

Benedict Anderson was a scholar with passionate commitment to the people and places where he works, and will always be like that in our heart and mind. Indonesia is his first journey and a final destination.

Thank you very much Pak Ben and Selamat Jalan.