PRESIDENT DECLARES WEEK-LONG NATIONAL MOURNING FOR GUS DUR'S DEMISE

Jakarta, Dec 30 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday declared a week of national mourning on the demise of former president Abdurrahman Wahid popularly known as Gus Dur.

"I call on the entire Indonesian nation to hoist the Red and White flag half-mast for a week starting tomorrow (Dec 31) to mourn over the demise of Indonesia's fourth president KH Abdurrahman Wahid," Yudhoyono said in a press conference at the presidential palace here.

Yudhoyono said he would lead Gus Dur's state funeral in Jombang, East Java, on Thursday.

"The state wants to pay the highest tribute to him in the state funeral I will lead in Jombang," the president said.

The head of state said he had contacted Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Taufiq Kiemas to lead a ceremony to see off Gus Dur's body from his residence in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, to Jombang.

Yudhoyono said the country lost one of its best sons and asked the Indonesian nation to pray for the former president.

Gus Dur died during medication at the hospital after suffering from complications caused by heart disease, kidney disorders and diabetes for years on Wednesday. He was 69.

He was born in Denanyar village, Jombang district, East Java, on August 4, 1940. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.

He served as the country's fourth president from October 20, 1999 to August 24, 2001.**3***