INDONESIA: CROWDS GATHER AT UK EMBASSY TO PAY RESPECTS TO DIANA

(6 Sep 1997) English/Nat

As millions of mourners gathered in London, around the world a T-V audience of up to 2.5 billion was expected.

Throughout the week British Embassies have been besieged by Princess Diana fans signing books of condolences.

In Indonesia, crowds have gathered all week to pay their respects.

It's front page news not just in London, but all over the world.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, Princess Diana's face has adorned almost every newspaper cover for a week now.

The reaction to the Princess's death has been overwhelming.

Since news of the accident first reached here, hundreds have queued at the British Embassy from early morning until dusk to sign the books of condolence.

Many are close to tears as they wait patiently for as long as four hours in temperatures in the 90s (F) (30s (C)).

For some it is all too much.

Breaking down in grief, this woman mourns as if for her own daughter.
For many, there's a feeling there will never be another person like the Princess of Wales.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"She's my idol, she's everything. No other lady will replace her in my heart, she's the classiest ever. She's my symbol of elegance."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox Pops

Inside the embassy flowers dominate the room.

Piled high in every available space there is just enough room for the queue.

Written notes, photographs, drawings - each a personal tribute from the thousands who have passed through here in the past few days.

Signing the book of condolence, many leave their own private message for the woman they undoubtedly loved.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I wrote that she is one of the best things that ever happen in the world. And I believe that she is already in heaven."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox Pop

Robin Christopher, the British Ambassador to Indonesia, has done this every day: shaking hands and saying thank you to those who have come.

The public reaction has not left him unmoved.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
It's just overwhelming, just overwhelming. There are so many people who wish to share their grief, express their sympathy and concern and appreciation for Diana."
SUPER-CAPTION: Robin Christopher, British Ambassador

The queues have become an almost permanent fixture outside the gates.

Numerous stalls have sprung up alongside the queue to sustain the crowd during their long wait in the heat.

Grief is also apparent - written on the faces of those who loved "their" princess.

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