Former Governor of South Sumatra Alex Noerdin Dies

Palembang — Former Governor of South Sumatra (Sumsel) for two terms, Alex Noerdin, passed away at Rumah Sakit Siloam Semanggi, Jakarta, on Wednesday at 13:30 WIB.

The family spokesperson, Okta Alfarisi, confirmed when contacted in Palembang on Wednesday that Alex Noerdin drew his last breath after receiving medical care at the hospital.

“The body is in the process of being brought back to Palembang. The funeral home is located on Jalan Merdeka, Palembang,” he said.

The departure of the figure known as a transformative developer of South Sumatra has left a profound sense of loss for the community, particularly in the land of Sriwijaya. During his tenure as Governor of Sumsel from 2008–2018, Alex was regarded as having successfully brought significant change to the face of Palembang City and its surroundings.

A number of strategic projects realised during his leadership include the development of Jakabaring Sport City, which served as host to SEA Games 2011 and Asian Games 2018.

In the transport sector, he also championed the construction of Indonesia’s first light rail transit (LRT) in Palembang, which remains one of the city’s icons and a reliable public transportation service for residents.

Additionally, social policies such as free healthcare and free education programmes became national examples in efforts to improve access to basic services for the community.

The family is currently preparing the process of transporting the body back to Palembang for viewing before burial.