Jakarta, Jan. 3 -- Indonesia's former vice president Jusuf Kalla extended his heartfelt condolences over the demise of Rizal Ramli, saying that the former coordinating minister for maritime affairs was his good friend.

Speaking to journalists who met him at the mourning house here on Wednesday, Kalla said his good friendship with Ramli continued, though they often had differing opinions on certain issues.

"During our presence in the state administration, I often had different opinions with Rizal, but our good friendship remains solid," Kalla, who paid his last respects to Ramli, remarked.

According to Kalla, Ramli was an activist whose actions were consistent with his thoughts. He became his partner for exchanging ideas on food-related...