Governor Iqbal Reveals Final Communication with Dr Jack Day Before His Death

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal paid tribute to the late head of the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) NTB, Dr Lalu Herman Mahaputra, commonly known as Dr Jack, during his funeral procession in Mataram on Wednesday afternoon (11 March 2026). Iqbal revealed details of their final communication before Dr Jack’s death.

Iqbal expressed his deep loss, describing Jack as someone he valued for possessing the strong character required to undertake the significant responsibility of increasing regional revenue. Before appointing Dr Jack as head of Bapenda NTB, Iqbal said he had deliberated at length over who would be most suitable for the position.

“I had only recently assigned the late doctor with a very heavy task. I spent months thinking about who was the right person to carry it out, and I saw that character in Dr Jack,” he said during his remarks at the funeral procession at the Karang Medain Public Cemetery in Mataram.

According to Iqbal, when he first offered the position, Dr Jack had questioned why he had been selected. Iqbal believed that Jack was one of the few people who had no personal ambition to hold such a position.

“I told him, ‘Because you are one of the few people who never harboured hopes of being in that position. But he answered, “Bismillah Miq Gub, if that is an assignment I will carry it out,”’” Iqbal recounted.

During his tenure as head of Bapenda NTB, Dr Jack was known to be very active in reporting on the progress of his work. He would contact Iqbal almost every two days to report on the progress made. Most recently, the two communicated on Monday, exactly one day before Dr Jack’s death.

“Almost every two days he would call me to report on what had been accomplished. On Monday he called me, and I was surprised because I was in Jakarta, and he asked for time to update me on what had been done,” Iqbal said.

He acknowledged that he had planned to meet with Dr Jack in person in Jakarta later that evening following their conversation. However, this plan was not realised, as Dr Jack was called before the Almighty.

“Had he not gone before me, I should have met with him that evening whilst he was well. But Allah willed otherwise, he was called,” he said.

Iqbal stated that Dr Jack’s departure represented a great loss to the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government. He also recognised that many people felt unprepared to part with the figure who was known to be energetic and full of dedication.

“I know many people who feel the loss. I myself also feel the loss. But let us accept the passing of the late doctor,” he appealed.

On this occasion, Iqbal also extended his gratitude to Dr Jack’s extended family, who had provided full support, enabling the late doctor to carry out his duties well.

“On behalf of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, I express my deepest gratitude to his parents, wife, children, and family, who have always provided support to Dr Jack in carrying out his duties for the good of NTB,” Iqbal concluded.

As is known, Dr Jack died in Jakarta on Tuesday evening (10 March 2026) at around 21.00 WIB after receiving medical treatment at RS MMC Jakarta.

His passing left deep sorrow among the people of NTB. The figure who was known to be active and full of spirit has now passed away, leaving memories and a legacy of service to the region.