"We, the big family of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), convey our condolences over the passing away of BJ Habibie. Mr Habibie's love for the nation will become a role model for the next generation," he noted in a statement here on Thursday.
Habibie, the third Indonesian president, had penned beautiful memories in the modern history of Indonesia. His thought process and works were monumental and make the nation proud. He also had a good image on the international stage.
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Habibie was a competent and credible technocrat recognized by the international community, he pointed out.
"We will always be grateful to the God Almighty for giving us a brother, teacher, and best friend named BJ Habibie. Goodbye Mr Habibie. Rest in peace," the senior politician of Golkar stated.
The former president passed away at 6:05 p.m. local time on Wednesday, at the age of 83 in the Army Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Subroto where he was undergoing treatment since September 1, 2019, for heart ailment.
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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to lead the funeral ceremony of BJ Habibie at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery, Jakarta, on Thursday, at 1:30 p.m. local time.
The remains of Habibie will be buried next to those of his wife, Hasri Ainun, who had breathed her last in 2010 at a hospital in Germany. Their romance captured the hearts of several Indonesians, especially after it was captured in several movies titled "Habibie & Ainun."
Bacharuddin Jusuf (BJ) Habibie, also known as Rudy, was born in Pare Pare, South Sulawesi, on June 25, 1936, and led the country from May 1998 to October 1999.
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President Jokowi described former president BJ Habibie as a statesman that all should look up to as a role model for the nation.
"He was a statesman, who should become a role model in the daily life of the nation," Jokowi stated at the Army Hospital of Gatot Soebroto here on Wednesday.
Jokowi affirmed that the "father of Indonesian technology" had always sought the best possible solution to various problems faced by the country, admitting to often consulting with Habibie on an array of issues. Related news: Habibie, the genius of Indonesia's first aircraft creator
Translator: Riza Harahap, Fardah
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
