By Nelia C. Halcon

When Pak Beni Wahju and wife Sofie invited us to his home for dinner last year, I never realized that was the last time I would see him.  At that particular moment, I was not feeling well, and I did not know why.  Maybe something’s telling me that it would be the last time I would see Mr. Wahju alive.

Mr. Wahju is well-known in Indonesia and in the entire mining industry in South-East Asia.  He played an important role as one of the founding fathers of the ASEAN Federation of Mining Associations (AFMA), an association of the major mining producers in ASEAN countries.  Soft spoken and always willing to give his knowledge and wisdom on important issues, Mr. Wahju would always provide a more sober and intelligent view on matters that are important to the development of ASEAN’s mining industry.

We have known each other more than twenty years ago and I would never forget how he treated me as a younger sister or part of his family.  He would tell me how he began his career and how he was able to move up the ladder of success triumphantly.  A man of humble beginnings, he touched so many people both high and low.

We often crossed paths in conferences within Asia Pacific and APEC.  In most of those meetings, he keeps his opinion to himself but when called to speak up, he gives his thoughtful and profound observation then makes his own judgement or position on issues which most of the time are considered by his peers.  He has a good sense of humor, and a quiet demeanor

I will never forget a man with dignity and honor as Pak Beni Wahju, who has been a friend, a mentor and a big brother.

Rest in peace Pak Beni, I know you shall be looking from beyond the people you so loved like your family and friends.