Gov’t Declares 3-Day Mourning Period for Former President Habibie

Indonesia is observing a three-day period of mourning from 12-14 September 2019 for former President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, who passed away on Wednesday evening (11/9).

The Government has also ordered flags outside official buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of the third Indonesian President.

“(The Government instructs) leaders of state institutions, Governor of Bank Indonesia, Cabinet Ministers, the Attorney General, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, Chief of the Indonesian National Police, leaders of non-structural institutions, leaders of non-ministerial institutions, governors, regents, mayors, leaders of state-owned enterprises/regional-owned enterprises, and head of Indonesian Representatives abroad to raise the national flag at half-mast,” Minister of State Secretary Pratikno wrote in his circular on Wednesday (11/9).

“Governors, regents and mayors shall also ask the citizens to raise the flag at half-mast,” the final part of the circular reads.

Former president Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday evening at 18.05 Western Indonesian Time at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Central Jakarta.  He had been in intensive care at the RSPAD since Monday after his health condition deteriorated.

Born on June 25, 1936, Habibie served as Minister of Research and Technology for 20 years in the administration of late President Soeharto. Habibie was then appointed as president following the resignation of President Soeharto in May 1998 and served in the role until elections were held in 1999. (ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Ersan Pamungkas