This eulogy is the very least we can offer to honor Faisal Basri, a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, truth, and the well-being of his fellow Indonesians. To call him merely a senior economist is a gross understatement. Faisal’s lifelong service to Indonesia elevates him to the status of a true national hero.
Faisal Basri was the very definition of integrity and commitment, fighting against corruption and injustice for over three decades. Like the late human rights activist Munir, who was assassinated for his defense of Indonesia’s democracy, Faisal gave everything he had to protect Indonesia from ignorance, corruption, and the rotten officials and businesses that plague the nation. From his early days as a young lecturer at the University of Indonesia’s School of Economics, he stood out—distinct and bold in a landscape of silence.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Faisal refused to conform. While his seniors, from Sumitro Djojohadikusumo (Prabowo Subianto’s father) to Widjojo Nitisastro, Ali Wardhana, and Sumarlin (all of them known as Berkeley Mafia) played roles in the economic structuring of the New Order regime, Faisal sought a different path. Even among his peers like current Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and former Minister Chatib Basri, who chose to play it safe within the system, Faisal remained an outspoken and uncompromising figure. He was always the people’s lecturer—often seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s sitting casually in front of the university’s student shop, wearing a T-shirt, slippers, and a backpack, chatting with his students.
His activism reached new heights in 1998 when he joined the movement to bring down Soeharto. As one of the key figures in Indonesia’s reform movement, Faisal worked to chart a new course for the country, which led to the establishment of the National Mandate Party. Unfortunately, over time, the party strayed from its ideals, aligning with the powers it was meant to challenge, especially after its first chairman, Amien Rais, was ousted by Zulkifli Hasan, a figure tainted by allegations of corruption.
Faisal Basri was one of the greatest threats to unchecked power, not just because he spoke his mind boldly and honestly, but because he always backed his critiques with solid logic and data. His opposition to President Joko Widodo’s administration was not fueled by personal ambition but by a steadfast commitment to transparency and fairness. Faisal saw Indonesia slipping under the weight of political expedience and economic inequality, and he made it his mission to fight for a better future—a future where prosperity was shared and the powerful were held accountable.
In contrast, today, Pope Francis’s historic visit to Indonesia brings a message of reconciliation, unity, and peace. While Faisal’s passing signifies the loss of a voice that challenged authority, the Pope’s visit brings hope and healing. The juxtaposition of these two moments is stark, yet their missions align in seeking justice and dignity for the marginalized. Where Faisal confronted power through critique, the Pope seeks to soften hearts through compassion and grace.
Faisal Basri’s legacy is not solely defined by the battles he fought. His life is a testament to the power of conviction, the importance of integrity, and the courage to stand against injustice. He taught us that the fight for justice is difficult but essential, and that the pursuit of truth, though costly, is invaluable.
As Pope Francis’s message of peace resonates across Indonesia, let us remember that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. Faisal’s life reminds us that true peace can only be achieved when we confront inequalities with courage and compassion.
We honor Faisal Basri not only for the battles he fought, but for the ideals he championed. His legacy will continue to inspire those who seek a fairer, more just Indonesia. In his memory, let us strive to build a world where truth and justice are the cornerstones of lasting peace.
We can only hope that new generations of committed and consistent young leaders have been, and will continue to be, born after Faisal’s passing, as Indonesia’s nation-building and journey toward a more just and mature democracy remains a long and winding road. It was a lonely path that Faisal chose to take, but someone had to do it. We must remind ourselves that Indonesia is far from being a finished product. That’s why the nation needs new Faisal Basri to be born to help remind us to stay on track.
