REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Social Volunteers' Association (IRSI) mourned the passing away of Nelson Mandela, former leader of South Africa.

The late Mandela was a towering figure in the struggle against Apartheid for the equality for all human beings, disregarding their races, religions and ideologies, said IRSI General Chairman Parni Hadi in a statement here on Friday.

Appearing in batik shirt, Mandela looked like a simple farmer from Wonogiri, Central Java, Parni said in praise for Mandela's simplicity, resembling him with his own uncle.

Hadi, who is also Indonesian media figure, said Mandela is Guru for social volunteers, who are committed to be always ready to help others any time, voluntarily, happily with and because Love.

"Good Bye Dear Guru. We, volunteers of IRSI, are ready to continue your steps. May God bless you with eternal peace, ameen," Parni Hadi said.

Mandela died on Thursday at the age of 95 after a prolonged lung infection, South African President Jacob Zuma announced.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of treason by the then white minority government in South Africa, only to forge a peaceful end to white rule by negotiating with his captors after his release in 1990.

He led the African National Congress, long a banned liberation movement, to a resounding electoral victory in 1994, the first fully democratic election in the country's history.

Mandela, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, had battled health problems in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations.

The former South African president was released from hospital in early September following an 85-day stay for a recurring lung infection, the result of his longtime imprisonment during the apartheid times.

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