Ilham recalled seeing his father as an inspiring figure, statesman, and idol.
"My father never stopped learning until his death and always kept learning to step up to new challenges and sought a solution for the problem," Ilham noted in his speech at the funeral of Indonesia's third president on Thursday.
Related news: President Jokowi leads BJ Habibie's state funeral procession
Habibie passed away at 6:05 p.m. local time on Wednesday (Sept 11) at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for heart illness since September 8.
"We have lost a figure, who was a father, friend, statesman, inspiration, and an idol. The death of my father, the way he died resembles his life, where he was surrounded by families and friends. All of us prayed for father and kissed him after he passed away," Ilham reminisced.
Ilham is upbeat that Habibie's never-say-die spirit would inspire the nation.
Related news: Jokowi remembers BJ Habibie as statesman and true scientist
Habibie's funeral was led by President Joko Widodo at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, former vice presidents, some cabinet ministers, and ambassadors from foreign countries were among those present at the funeral.
The remains of the beloved former president were laid to rest beside those of his wife, Hasri Ainun Habibie, who passed away in 2010.
Related news: State to pay great respect in homage of Habibie: President
Translator: Afut Syafril N, Sri Haryati
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
