He made the statement after paying his last respects to the renowned national figure at the funeral home of Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Central Jakarta.
“Yes, I am here to pay my respects and offer my condolences. Mr. Kwik was a national figure with remarkable contributions,” Prabowo said.
According to the head of state, the former minister dedicated his life to strengthening Indonesia’s economic standing with his progressive ideas, which makes his passing a great loss for the nation.
He also shared that he had a close personal bond with Gie, adding that the respected economist often gave him advice and insights, even in his final days.
“I felt close to him. He gave me so much advice. In fact, he reached out to me via WhatsApp just several days ago to give advice,” he recalled.
Bearing this in mind, Prabowo reiterated that Gie’s passing is a significant loss for Indonesia. “Indonesia has lost one of its best sons,” he said.
The President had also expressed his sorrow over the former minister’s death on social media on Tuesday.
“My condolences for the passing of Kwik Kian Gie. January 11, 1935 – July 28, 2025,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram account @prabowo.
The post was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the prominent economist, who died at the age of 90 on Monday morning.
Born to an Indonesian Chinese family in Pati, Central Java, Gie held a number of key positions in government, including the posts of coordinating minister for economics, finance, and industry and national development planning minister under the fourth Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid and the fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, respectively.
He also briefly served as deputy speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) from October 3 to 26 in 1999.
Related news: Former top minister Kwik Kian Gie passes away at age 90
Related news: Prabowo mourns ex-minister Kwik Kian Gie's passing
Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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