By Muhamad Nor Muhamad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The late Pak Beni Wahyu is to me, personally and professionally, someone who is a true professional, a cultured human being with very warm, welcoming and likeable personality.  He is very comfortable to talk to and to discuss issues with, and he makes decisions based on facts and not emotions.  He takes great effort to assist friends in ways he can and will not shy away from providing help.

I first knew Pak Beni in the mid-1980s when we were both actively involved in the ASEAN Federation of Mining Associations (AFMA).  He was representing the Indonesian Mining Association (IMA) and I was representing the Malaysian Chamber of Mines (MCOM).  Since then, we frequently met either in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur or the capital cities of the other AFMA member countries.  We also met in other major cities like Beijing, for example, on matters pertaining to advancing the interests of the regional mineral resource industry and mining community.

Our friendship did not confine to just our professional dealings but also extend to our families, as well.  I often met with her charming wife, Ibu Soffie Wahju, and many a times we went out to have dinner together, sight seeing and shopping.  As my wife seldom travelled with me on official business trips, she did not have the opportunity to meet with this charming couple although I did promise them that I will bring my wife in one of my future trip to Jakarta and visit their family home.  This, in fact, is my one regret as I failed to fulfill a promise to Pak Beni. I do hope that he will forgive me for this.

In retirement, Pak Beni busied himself connecting with friends, colleagues and family members through the Facebook, which I followed with keen interest.  His sudden demise has certainly left much vacuum to us all.

Pak Beni Wahju, I will always pray to Allah S.W.T. that your soul be blessed and rest in peace.  I will always remember you by as a very dear friend; someone who is very difficult to be replaced with.

Here is a Pantun Melayu that I have composed as a dedication to you, Pak Beni;

                       “   Pisang emas dari Melaka,

                             Bila dimakan enak rasanya,

                             Pak Beni seorang yang amat mulia,

                             Anda takkan ku lupa selama-lamanya. ”