| There was a rumor that the TNI had killed him in order to emphasize deteriorating public safety prior to the President Megawati’s visit to Acheh a few days later. Nevertheless, the government had announced the following day that it was committed by an anti-government group. “It’s always the same. No one takes responsibility. He was killed by a person with no name.” Explained an Achenese friend.
On the day of the funeral, I visit to Professor Dawood’s house in the city where many people had already gathered. I met his son to ask for permission to report on the funeral. He consented in fluent English, “Please go ahead and take photos. There’s no problem.”
We all left the house and headed to a local mosque. After a prayer, we went to Professor Dawood’s hometown. After an hour drive, we arrived in a small village together with 200 other people.
The coffin was carried in and an Islamic funeral began. Professor Dawood’s aging mother placed her right hand on the forehead of her son, who was covered in a white cloth, and meditated a prayer. His wife and children were weeping beside her. |
