Hanafi died suddenly last night in Tokyo, where he was part of the ITF delegation representing the world’s seafarers and dockers at a meeting of the International Baragaining Forum (IBF). Hanafi was 72 years old.
ITF president Paddy Crumlin stated: “Farewell brother Hanafi, small in stature and giant at heart. Seafarer, trade unionist, labour leader and internationalist. Much loved. Man of humour, deep faith and family. Now at rest after Fighting from the Front to his last.”
ITF general secretary Steve Cotton added: “It feels unbelievable that such a vibrant and ever-fighting personality is no longer with us. We grieve for him, and for his family, friends and union members. Hanafi was a battler for what he believed in. Right to the end he never deviated from that path.”
Full statements of remembrance from Paddy Crumlin, Steve Cotton and Joe Fleetwood, general secretary of MUNZ, the Maritime Union of New Zealand, can be found at https://goo.gl/FxCQeT.
In memoriam, Hanafi Rustandi
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