Surya Paloh Pays Final Respects to Rachmat Gobel
The Chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, paid his condolences at the home of the late Rachmat Gobel, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives and NasDem cadre, on Jalan Supomo Nomor 55A, South Jakarta, on Friday (10/7). Before the bereaved family, Surya Paloh conveyed his deepest sympathies.
Surya Paloh revealed that he personally, the wider NasDem family and all colleagues felt profound grief over the passing of the former Minister of Trade, which came so suddenly.
“Yes, today, whether it is me personally, my family, the greater NasDem family and the friends of the late Bung dr Rachmat Gobel, we feel immense sorrow, because his departure was so sudden,” said Paloh on Friday (10/7).
According to Paloh, some time earlier Rachmat Gobel had still appeared fit and remained active in his duties as a people’s representative in parliament until the night before he drew his last breath.
He admitted he was shocked to receive the news of the death in the early hours, only half an hour after the deceased was pronounced dead. The passing of the national businessman was acknowledged as a great and surprising loss.
“But at just past four o’clock this morning, 30 minutes later, I received this news of condolence,” said Paloh.
Paloh then invited the public to join together in offering their best prayers, so that all of the deceased’s good deeds and long service to the nation and state are accepted by Allah SWT.
The news of Rachmat Gobel’s death was earlier confirmed by the Deputy Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, Fauzi Amro. The legislator from Gorontalo was pronounced dead on Friday (10/7) in the early hours at 03.20 WIB in Jakarta.
“Our deepest condolences, innalillahi wainnailaihi raji’un. H Rachmat Gobel has returned to the mercy of Allah on Friday, 10 July 2026, at 03.20 WIB, in Jakarta,” said Fauzi.
At present, the residence in South Jakarta continues to be thronged by mourners from all walks of life, from state officials and business colleagues to party cadres wishing to pay their final respects.
The family plans to hold the funeral procession in his birthplace, Gorontalo. Details regarding the departure of the body and the exact location of the burial will be announced officially by the family in the near future.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, expressed his grief over Rachmat Gobel’s passing at Brawijaya Hospital in Tebet, remembering him as a comrade in parliament.
Rachmat Gobel passed away at the age of 63. Minister of Agriculture Amran remembered the late figure as a close friend, having served together in the cabinet. News of his death drew condolences from various circles, including Helmy Yahya, Kang Maman and Muhammad Said Didu, who conveyed their sympathies and prayers.