Kwik passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a long legacy as an economist, educator, politician, and nationalist. News of his passing was first shared by former minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.
“Farewell, Mr. Kwik Kian Gie. Economist, educator, true nationalist. A mentor who never tired of fighting for the truth, who stood firm in the storm for the sake of the people and the nation. Indonesia is mourning,” he wrote.
Tributes poured in for the respected figure who was a reference for many, especially activists and academics, in discussing national economic policy. His body was laid to rest at Sentosa Funeral Home, Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD), Central Jakarta.
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Going against the tide
Kwik was born in Juwana, Pati District, Central Java, on January 11, 1935.
He pursued higher education at the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia, and continued his studies at the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool, now Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, until 1963.
In Rotterdam, Kwik was active in a student community that fought for democracy and scientific rationality—experiences that shaped his thinking considerably.
The late economist Rizal Ramli once observed that in many debates, Kwik always stood by data- and logic-based arguments, rather than political interests. Many viewed him as a bridge between science and policymaking.
After completing his studies, Kwik began his professional career at the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague from 1963 to 1964. He later held several strategic positions in the business and financial sectors, both in the Netherlands and Indonesia, until the mid-1970s.
However, his heart lay in education and policy development.
In the 1970s, he founded the Management Institute of the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia (LM-FEUI). In 1987, with Djoenaedi Joesoef and Kaharuddin Ongko, he established the Indonesia Institute of Business and Informatics (IBII), continuing his contribution to economic and business education in Indonesia.
Still, to the wider public, Kwik was more than just an academic. He became a strong and vocal public figure since the New Order era, particularly through his writings in Harian Kompas daily.
At a time when few intellectuals dared to speak out against New Order policies, Kwik stood as an exception.
He was not just an observer of the economy but a bold critic who remained outside the circle of power, taking on an informal role as a guardian of the nation’s common sense.
Senior economist and Paramadina University Rector Didik J. Rachbini described Kwik as part of the “Group of 30 Economists,” which includes thinkers like Rizal Ramli, Sjahrir, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, and Hendra Esmara, who were critical of New Order economic policies.
They advocated for evidence-based analysis, which was often ignored until the 1997 monetary crisis exposed the fragility of the system that was built without checks and balances.
“Kwik was one of Indonesia’s sharp, independent, and critical economists and public figures during the New Order and even into the Reformasi era. He was known as an intellectual figure who bravely spoke the truth, even if it meant clashing with those in power,” Rachbini said.
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Principled leader
Kwik remained vocal during the Reformasi period and entered politics through the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
He briefly served as Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in October 1999 before being appointed Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance, and Industry by President Abdurrahman Wahid on October 26, 1999.
He held the post until August 23, 2000, and then served as Minister for National Development Planning under President Megawati Soekarnoputri (August 10, 2001–October 20, 2004).
What set Kwik apart from many officials was his courage to remain critical from within the system. He was known for opposing state-owned enterprise privatization, rejecting dependency on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and consistently advocating for the renegotiation of foreign debt.
He even expressed his readiness to step down from his position if the government continued supporting corrupt conglomerates through policies that harmed public interest. For Kwik, a position was merely a means, not an end, his principles were not up for negotiation.
“He was a true nationalist who never stopped thinking and speaking critically about the problems faced by his country, because he wanted Indonesia to be a great and advanced nation,” recalled Muhammadiyah chair and vice chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Abbas.
Within the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Kwik was also known as a principled official committed to social justice and the state’s role in the economy, according to the ministry’s secretary, Susiwijono Moegiarso.
“(He was very firm) on the importance of the state’s role in ensuring prosperity for the people, and that the government must lead in establishing a socially just economy,” Moegiarso said.
Similarly, former coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs, Mahfud MD, remembered Kwik as a public official who was consistent, enlightening, and transparent in both his views and actions.
Throughout his life, Kwik was not only active in policy spaces but also remained a prolific and critical writer.
“He often sent me his writings, books, articles, and papers,” Mahfud said.
Kwik’s views on economic sovereignty remain his most important intellectual legacy. He consistently warned against the foreign debt trap, rejected political subordination to foreign institutions, and fiercely criticized oligarchic practices.
Kwik authored several books, including Analysis of Indonesia’s Political Economy, The Turmoil of Indonesia’s Economy, Political Economy Policy and the Loss of Reason, and Pikiran yang Terkorupsi (Corrupted Thoughts).
Kwik’s passing is a tremendous loss—not only for Indonesia’s economic and political spheres but also for a nation still in search of moral grounding in public policymaking.
He believed that intellectual honesty must never be compromised, and the courage to think differently is the highest form of patriotism.
Related news: Former top minister Kwik Kian Gie passes away at age 90
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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