Senin 15 Oct 2012 20:44 WIB

SBY: Norodom Sihanouk was a friend of Indonesia

Foto: Reuters/Damir Sagolj Insert: Reuters/China Daily

People wearing white pray as they mourn the late Cambodia's former King Norodom Sihanouk in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh October 15, 2012. Norodom Sihanouk, once an absolute ruler who freed Cambodia from colonialism before becoming a tragic pawn

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) stated that the late former King of Norodom Sihanouk was a friend of Indonesia. The king was a key player in boosting cooperation between two countries and his death was a loss for Indonesians, SBY added on Monday.

“Indonesia recognizes King Norodom Sihanouk as key player in developing and building Cambodia. He was a truly stateman, a figure who united Cambodia and built the country,” SBY addressed his official statement.

“Today, the former leader of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihanouk, passed away in Beijing. On behalf of the government and Indonesian people, I send our deep condolences. And I have sent the condolence letter to King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen,” SBY said. He plans to visit Cambodia in November for ASEAN Summit.

Sihanouk, the revered former king who was a towering figure in Cambodian politics through a half-century of war, genocide and upheaval, died Monday. He was 89.

Sihanouk abdicated the throne in 2004, citing his poor health. He had been getting medical treatment in China since January and had suffered a variety of illnesses, including colon cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

Prince Sisowath Thomico, a royal family member who also was Sihanouk's assistant, said the former king suffered a heart attack at a Beijing hospital.

"His death was a great loss to Cambodia," Thomico said, adding that Sihanouk had dedicated his life "for the sake of his entire nation, country and for the Cambodian people."

Sihanouk's successor, Norodom Sihamoni, flew with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Beijing on Monday to retrieve the body, said Col. Chhay Bunna, a senior police officer in charge of security at Phnom Penh's international airport.