Indonesia Will Forever Remember Habibie’s Legacies: President Jokowi

President Jokowi leads a funeral ceremony of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. B.J. Habibie at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta, Thursday (12/9). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

The late President Habibie was a true statesman and a brilliant scientist who believed that without love, intelligence is dangerous, and that science and faith must assemble. according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

The President made the statement on Thursday (12/9) when he led a funeral ceremony of the former President at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in East Jakarta.

Indonesian people deeply mourn the passing of Habibie, President Jokowi added.

According to the President, Indonesia has lost one of its best figures and a role model, adding that the attendance of national and community leaders in Habibie’s funeral is a form of respect and appreciation from them for Habibie’s services and dedication to the state, the nation and to science during his lifetime.

Born on June 25, 1936 in the small town of Parepare in the eastern province of South Sulawesi, President Jokowi acknowledged that the late Habibie has been a visionary since he was young and that he had not only thought of himself but about the Indonesian people and the country.

“Habibie always thought about what is happening in Indonesia at present, as well as how to build Indonesia for the future, for Indonesia to become a developed country,” President Jokowi said.

The President continued that Habibie successfully created strategic industries in Indonesia through his works on research and technology, evidenced by the launching of the first Indonesia’s aircraft Gatotkaca which coincided with the 50th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

“It was a historical moment for Indonesia, which had inspired us to be more confident, to stand tall, and to learn for the advancement of Indonesia so that Indonesia can be on par with other developed countries,” President Jokowi said, adding that Indonesian people will forever remember Habibie’s legacies as President of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly on his role during Indonesia’s transition to democracy.

The President went on to say that even in his later age, Habibie continued to remind us to be the best version of Indonesian people who keep upholding Indonesian values.

“He also kept reminding us on the importance of religion, science, and culture in developing human capital,” the President said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi called on the entire Indonesian people to give highest appreciation for Habibie’s dedication to the country.

“I invite everyone to send prayer for him, to wish him rest in peace as well as to pray that God will grant him the best place in the hereafter and to forgive all of his wrongdoings,” the President said, while praying for the bereaved family to be given strength and patience.

“So long Mister Crack, the Pioneer. We will forever remember your advice: not to be whiny, to avoid too many discussions, and to focus on how to add our value consistently so that Indonesia can be a great country in Southeast Asia and in the world,” President Jokowi said. (MAY/RSF/RAH/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas