MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday mourned the passing of Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, whom he considers as a “true friend.”
Duterte expressed his condolences to the envoy’s family and the Indonesian government, a Palace statement said.
“The President considers Ambassador Sarundajang as a true friend and a brother to all,” it added.
Duterte lauded Sarundajang for strengthening the relations of the Philippines and Indonesia during his tenure in the country.
“He will be remembered and rightly honored for his deep commitment and dedication to further deepen and broaden the special ties between the Philippines and Indonesia,” Palace said.
Sarundajang passed away on Feb. 13, according to the official Twitter account of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Manila. It did not detail the cause of Sarundajang’s death.
Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia di Manila
Berdukacita Atas WafatnyaDR. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang
Duta Besar Luar Biasa dan Berkuasa Penuh
Republik Indonesia untuk Republik Filipina merangkap Republik Marshall Islands dan Republik Palau
Sabtu, 13 Februari 2021 pic.twitter.com/xpCE7ff1lE
— Indonesian Embassy Manila (@KBRI_Manila) February 13, 2021
Sarundajang was appointed Indonesia’s ambassador to the Philippines in February 2018. He presented his credentials to Duterte in May 2018.