Rachmat Gobel and his legacy of development in Gorontalo

Gorontalo (ANTARA) - “We are building a tourist village. This place has beautiful scenery; I saw the river flowing with very clean water. Children came down to bathe in the river, and I saw them happy and joyful. We think not only about how to solve problems, but also how to build a concept for addressing them,” said Rachmat Gobel.

He spoke those words whilst inspecting a remote indigenous community settlement inhabited by 57 families in Buade Hamlet, Didingga Village, Biau District, North Gorontalo Regency.

The settlement had previously been struck by flash floods, affecting 68 homes, three of which collapsed, more than a dozen severely damaged, and the remainder sustaining moderate damage.

The tourism village concept was conveyed by Rachmat when he greeted the affected residents of the village. He strongly wished for the village to be rebuilt in keeping with its natural beauty.

He also wanted the village to become a strong tourist village, relying on its natural assets. Flood-affected houses were rearranged and repainted, and farmland was reorganised. The village was rebuilt with a robust tourism village concept, so that when visitors come, they can enjoy not only the natural beauty of the village but also stay overnight and take part in agricultural activities, from planting through to harvesting.

The Secret of Age

On that occasion, Rachmat Gobel shared his reflections on age. He stated that one’s lifespan is a secret of Allah, and no one can predict how long they will live. For him, what need not be a secret is our intention and actions to do good in building the nation, particularly Gorontalo.

As he once said regarding age, Rachmat Gobel met one of Allah’s secrets.

The Gorontalo-native and successful businessman, who served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Gorontalo electoral district from 2024 to 2029, breathed his last on Friday (10 July 2026) in Jakarta at around 04.00 Western Indonesia Time.

The man, born in Jakarta on 3 September 1962, was one of Gorontalo’s proudest figures. Rachmat’s name is highly renowned, and he was known as one of the members of the House of Representatives who frequently returned to his home region of Gorontalo.

“When in Gorontalo, he never wanted to simply stay at home. He wanted to visit the regions, initiating many development concepts and realising them with careful planning,” said Roni Imran, a party cadre known to be close to Rachmat Gobel.

When the late Rachmat Gobel passed away to meet his Maker, Roni was in Jakarta, having planned to discuss many matters with him.

“I am saddened by this death, but I am grateful that I was destined to be present at his funeral rites,” said the former Deputy Regent of North Gorontalo.

Rachmat Gobel leaves behind a wife and two children. One of the legacies he safeguarded exceptionally well is the Hubulo Islamic boarding school.

The boarding school, which embraces a modern Islamic education concept and is located in Kramat Village, Tapa District, Bone Bolango Regency, is renowned across the archipelago.

Rachmat’s love for the nation’s children was evident in his keen attention to the continuity of education at the Hubulo Islamic boarding school.

Beyond that, Rachmat Gobel actualised many of his ideas in the organisation and development of other Islamic boarding schools across Gorontalo Province.

“We are proud that he set an example through his attention to the future of the nation’s children, particularly for the world of education in Gorontalo,” said Taufik, a Gorontalo resident who considers himself an admirer of Rachmat Gobel.

He said he was proud that the figure of Rachmat Gobel was able to devote his attention to the world of education holistically.

The deceased left behind a legacy of care for improving the quality of children through formal education, and the strengthening of educational facilities was realised as hoped.

Pakaya Tower

The concept of building Gorontalo with bright light was realised by Rachmat Gobel in the Pakaya Tower, previously known as the Limboto Grandeur Tower.

“The glittering lights of the Pakaya Tower instantly remind us of the figure of Rachmat Gobel,” said Rosdian, a resident of Limboto, Gorontalo Regency.

As a native Limboto resident, Rosdian knows precisely the splendour of the Pakaya Tower, thanks to the sure touch of Rachmat Gobel, who developed the 65-metre tower in the heart of the regency capital. The tower looks magnificent, and some even consider it more beautiful than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

“We are proud that Gorontalo glows brightly, visible in the grandeur and beauty of this magnificent tower. People come to Gorontalo wanting to see this tower adorned with colourful twinkling lights,” said Rosdian.

Not only that, beneath the tower stands a public park decorated with a ‘globe’. A round television screen, brought in by Rachmat Gobel, adds to the beauty of Limboto.

Fast and well-planned development became one of the good legacies Rachmat Gobel planted in Gorontalo.

Many people have expressed appreciation for all the good deeds left behind by the late Rachmat Gobel in Gorontalo, including in the northern coastal region.

Beyond reflecting on his exemplary life, many residents also mourned the passing of the prominent businessman.

Buried in Jakarta

Awaiting the arrival of great figures in Gorontalo has become a tradition for the local community, including the arrival of the remains of the late Rachmat Gobel.

The public’s hope of receiving the body of the figure known as a major businessman could not be realised.

Former Mayor of Gorontalo Marten Taha said earlier that the information received indicated a desire from some family members to bring the body to Gorontalo.

The latest information stated that Rachmat Gobel would be buried at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in Jakarta.

Rachmat Gobel held the Bintang Mahaputera Adi Pradana, which entitled him to burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

Therefore, in line with the family’s decision together with the government, the body of the deceased would lie in state at the House of Representatives building at midday, after which it would be taken to the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery for burial.

Following that decision, the family in Gorontalo, together with the community, will hold prayers and Quranic recitations, including readings of Surat Yasin and religious gatherings every evening.

The joint prayers are likely to be held at the Tapa traditional house, Rachmat Gobel’s residence whilst in Gorontalo. In addition, joint prayers will also be held at other venues at the initiative of the cadres and the party in which he was active during his lifetime.