REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Chairman of Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Taufiq Kiemas passed away at 6.05 pm at General Hospital in Singapore on Saturday. Kiemas was the spouse of Megawati Sukarnoputri, former Indonesian president who also the daugter of first Indonesian president, Sukarno.
Kiemas rose to prominence after reformation era in 1998. He became a member of House of Representative since 2009 and installed as the chairman of MPR at the same year.
The cadre of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) died at 70 years of age, after earlier he was reported in stable condition. The news of his death circulated through Blackberry messenger service since Saturday afternoon. But PDIP denied the rumor then stated officially that Kiemas was stable and in good condition.
Kiemas was staying at the General Hospital after his visit to Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, to commemorate Pancasila Day on June 1. He was treated for his fatigue.
According to some reports, Kiemas will be flown to Jakarta on Sunday morning and estimated to be arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport at 09.30 am. His body will be lying in state for an hour at the airport before departing for Kalibata Heroes Cemetary in Jakarta. He will be buried beside his parents' graves in the cemetary.