"I have not spoken (with the president yet on whether he will be present at the funeral home for mourning), but he has sent flowers there to express his condolences," Moeldoko remarked here on Wednesday.
Moeldoko visited the funeral home to mourn Ramli's demise.
He expressed his deepest condolences on the passing away of Ramli and said he had a deep impression of him.
"I often spoke to him. We had coffee together and exchanged views," he remarked.
Ramli, during his lifetime, was known to have a critical view of the government. Moeldoko regarded his friend's critical outlook as a healing remedy for the government's work.
"I understand he has a critical view, especially on the government. I see it as a medicine that can heal, and in my opinion, in running the government, there must be things that need to be criticized," he stated.
Related News: Former VP Kalla says Rizal Ramli was his good friend
Ramli's body arrived at the funeral home on Wednesday morning, at 12:52 a.m. local time, aboard an ambulance from the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta.
On Wednesday morning, the funeral home was thronged by family members and mourners. Dozens of wreaths from public and political figures lined up around the funeral home.
The wreath from President Jokowi was predominantly in yellow and black colors. Indonesia's sixth president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also sent a wreath.
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan also expressed his deep condolences over the demise of Ramli, who was the former coordinating minister for maritime affairs.
Hasan said he was a good friend and discussion partner despite their differences of opinion.
Related News: Rizal Ramli makes much achievement during his 11-month term
Related News: Rizal Ramli envisions Indonesia controlling sea trading lanes
Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
