Prestigious Awards Received by Rachmat Gobel During His Lifetime, Including International Recognition
The passing of Rachmat Gobel at the age of 63 has left grief across Indonesia’s industrial, business and political worlds. Known as a businessman, former Minister of Trade and Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI, he is remembered not only for building the national industry but also for the various awards he earned throughout his career.
Unlike many other business figures, Rachmat Gobel was not known for chasing accolades. Nevertheless, the prestigious honours he received carry considerable weight, as they were awarded on the basis of real contributions to industry, productivity and service to the nation.
The following is a list of the awards Rachmat Gobel received during his lifetime.
- APO Regional Award 2011
One of the most prestigious honours Rachmat Gobel ever received was the APO Regional Award 2011 from the Tokyo-headquartered Asian Productivity Organization (APO).
The award was presented in April 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the time, Rachmat Gobel became the first Indonesian to receive the honour. It is conferred only once every five years upon individuals deemed to have made major contributions to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The award further strengthened his reputation as an industrial figure with significant influence, not only in Indonesia but across Asia.
- Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana
Another prestigious honour received by Rachmat Gobel was the Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana, one of the highest civilian decorations from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
The award was presented by President Joko Widodo in August 2024 to a number of officials and figures judged to have rendered great service to the nation. Rachmat Gobel received it whilst serving as Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI.
The Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana is bestowed upon individuals with extraordinary merit in various fields that benefit the progress, welfare and prosperity of the Indonesian nation.
Awards Reflecting Real Contribution
Although the number of personal awards recorded is not large, both carry considerable weight.
The APO Regional Award is an international honour recognising Rachmat Gobel’s contribution to improving industrial productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.