The Nation Mourns: H. Rachmat Gobel Passes Away; His Legacy of Service for Eastern Indonesia Will Always Be Remembered
*JAKARTA* – News of sorrow came from Senayan. Member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, *H. Rachmat Gobel*, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 03.20 WIB in Jakarta after receiving medical treatment.
The passing of the senior NasDem Party politician is a great loss for the Indonesian nation, especially for the people of Gorontalo who knew him as a son of the region who never stopped fighting for the progress of his homeland.
In an official statement from the family, the deceased leaves behind his beloved wife, *Retno Damayanti Gobel*, two children, in-laws, and three grandchildren. The family asks for prayers that Allah SWT will forgive all the sins and mistakes of the deceased, accept all his deeds of worship, and place him in the best place by His side.
The body lay in state at the family home on *Jalan Prof. Dr. Soepomo No. 55A, South Jakarta*. Since the morning, mourners continued to arrive to pay their last respects. The house of mourning was filled with deep emotion as guests one by one offered prayers and condolences to the family.
A number of national figures, state officials, heads of institutions, members of the DPR RI from across factions, friends, colleagues, businesspeople, as well as community leaders and figures from Gorontalo were present to bid farewell to the deceased. Their presence is a testament to the great respect for Rachmat Gobel, who was known for his ability to build friendships across professions and interests.
Throughout his life, Rachmat Gobel was known not only as a politician, but also as a businessman who chose to dedicate his experience and thoughts to the interests of the nation. After a career in industry and having served as *Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia*, he continued his service in parliament by bringing forward various aspirations of the people, particularly related to economic development, strengthening national industry, improving the quality of human resources, and equitable development in the Eastern Indonesia region.
For the people of Gorontalo, the name Rachmat Gobel holds a deeper meaning. He was one of the figures who consistently fought for investment, infrastructure development, empowerment of MSMEs, education, and the opening of job opportunities for people in the region. The various ideas he championed were born from the belief that the progress of Indonesia must begin with the progress of all regions without exception.
After funeral prayers, the body was taken to the *Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery, South Jakarta*. The deceased was laid to rest on Friday, July 10, 2026, with final honors as a form of appreciation for his service and contributions to the nation and the country.
The passing of *H. Rachmat Gobel* leaves deep sorrow. However, his dedication, example, and spirit in building Indonesia will continue to live on through the works and struggles he has left behind.
Farewell, *H. Rachmat Gobel*. May Allah SWT accept all of the deceased’s deeds of worship, forgive all his sins and mistakes, make his grave spacious, and place him in the highest paradise. _Aamiin ya Rabbal ‘alamin_.
