Jokowi Remembers Rachmat Gobel as a Hardworking Minister

Former seventh President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the home of deceased DPR member from the NasDem faction Rachmat Gobel on Jalan Prof. Dr. Soepomo, Tebet, South Jakarta, on Friday (10/7).

Jokowi remembered the late Rachmat Gobel as a kind figure and a hard worker during his time as Minister of Trade.

“Mr Rachmat Gobel was a good person, and in my view a hard-working minister,” said Jokowi.

When asked when he had last communicated with the former Trade Minister, Jokowi did not answer and merely thanked the media crew.

Rachmat Gobel passed away on Friday (10/7) at 03:20 WIB. The news of his death was confirmed by several parties, including the Gorontalo Provincial Government.

Rachmat was a businessman and former Minister of Trade in President Jokowi’s Working Cabinet from 2014 to 2015. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the DPR from the NasDem Party for the 2019-2024 period.

In addition to being known for leading Gobel Group, Rachmat played a role in developing the national electronics industry through a partnership with Panasonic. During his tenure as Minister of Trade, he was known for promoting the protection of the domestic market, eradicating illegal imports, and strengthening the standardisation of domestic products.

Rachmat’s remains were laid in state at the family home in Tebet, South Jakarta. The late politician is due to be buried at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in South Jakarta.