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Hamzah HazIndonesian politician
Date of Birth: 15.02.1940
Country:  Indonesia |
Content:
- Hamza Haz: A Political Journey in Indonesia
- Political Beginnings
- Cabinet Positions and Ministerial Role
- Vice Presidency
- Presidential Bid and Controversy
- Personal Life and Death
- Legacy and Passing
Hamza Haz: A Political Journey in Indonesia
Early Life and EducationHamza Haz was born on February 15, 1940, in Ketapang, Indonesia. He began his career as a journalist in Pontianak and later taught economics at Tanjungpura University.
Political Beginnings
Haz's political career commenced in 1968 when he was elected as a provincial parliament member in West Kalimantan. In 1971, he joined the House of Representatives as a member of the Nahdlatul Ulama party.
Cabinet Positions and Ministerial Role
Following the merger of Nahdlatul Ulama with the United Development Party (PPP) in 1973, Haz became an active member of the latter. In 1998-1999, he served as Minister of Investment in the cabinet of President B.J. Habibie.
Vice Presidency
Haz led PPP in the 1999 parliamentary elections and became its parliamentary faction leader, the third largest in the house. In October 1999, he was appointed Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare in the government of President Abdurrahman Wahid but resigned a month later due to disagreements with the president. In 2001-2004, Haz served as Vice President under President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
Presidential Bid and Controversy
In 2004, Haz ran for president, partnered with Agum Gumelar. He placed fifth in the election, receiving only 3% of the votes. Haz's association with radical Islamists, including the leader of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Bakar Bashir, drew scrutiny and criticism.
Personal Life and Death
Hamza Haz was married to two wives, Asmaniah and Titin Kartini, and had 12 children. Rumors persisted of a third wife named Soraya and additional children, but Haz never publicly acknowledged their existence. His son, Nur Agus Haz, became a member of the Indonesian parliament from PPP.
Legacy and Passing
Haz died on July 24, 2024, at the age of 84, from an undisclosed illness. He was buried in a private family cemetery in Bogor. His political legacy remains a subject of debate, with some citing his support for radicalism while others recognize his contributions to Indonesian politics.
