Contributor:
Dédé Oetomo
Former Chair of APCOM’s Regional Advisory Group (2013-2021)
It is with great shock and sadness that we learned of the passing of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on 26 March. Ratu was APCOM’s Pacific Ambassador from 2016, and prior to that had been President of Fiji (2009-2015) and later was the Speaker of Parliament (2019-2022).
APCOM invited him to become Pacific Ambassador based on his passionate advocacy for HIV and AIDS, also his all-encompassing approach to all key populations using a human rights perspective, not only in his native Fiji, but also in the Pacific and beyond.
Among other positions, he was also UNAIDS Good Will Ambassador for the Pacific. As Chair of APCOM’s Regional Advisory Group, I had first-hand experience of engaging with Ratu Epeli a few times during APCOM activities in Bangkok. He struck me as a down-to-earth, humble person, although he had been in high positions in politics, the military and diplomacy. It was easy and pleasant to be with him, completely not requiring protocol.
Once I had to go with him, and the Rt Honourable former Australian Justice Michael Kirby, from our hotel to the venue of one of the HERO Award Ceremonies. He graciously agreed to ride in a regular taxi, and was a nice companion to Justice Kirby and me.
We will sorely miss Ratu Epeli in the HIV-AIDS community in Asia and the Pacific. We must pick up the baton and continue the great work he engaged in in the previous Decades.
To his family, we extend our deepest condolences.
Surabaya, Indonesia, 28 March 2026
