Indonesia Offers Condolences on Passing of Former Qatari Emir

The Indonesian government has conveyed its condolences to the government and people of Qatar over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Emir from 1995 to 2013.

“The Government of the Republic of Indonesia expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of His Highness the Father Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated via social media platform X on Sunday.

Indonesia specifically addressed its message of sympathy to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the son of Sheikh Hamad, as well as to the entire Al Thani royal family, the Qatari government, and the Qatari people.

News of Sheikh Hamad’s death at the age of 74 was confirmed by the Amiri Diwan, the administrative office of the Emir of Qatar.

“With hearts firm in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning at the age of nearly 74 years, may God have mercy on him,” the office said in a statement.

Sheikh Hamad is regarded as the founder of modern Qatar and remained an influential and beloved figure in the country even after handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim.

The Qatari government has declared a four-day mourning period to commemorate the passing of Sheikh Hamad, beginning immediately.

The late emir will be laid to rest at a cemetery in Lusail, with the funeral ceremony taking place on Sunday after the Maghrib prayer local time. Sheikh Tamim is scheduled to receive condolences from heads of state, members of the royal family, and the public from 13 to 15 July.