Indonesia’s third president, Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, also known as BJ Habibie, passed away at 6:05pm local time at the Central Army Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta, this Wednesday 11th September.
Previously, Habibie had been treated in intensive care in the hospital since 1st September 2019. Close family members gathered to monitor his condition, however, today, his youngest son, Thareq Kemal announced that his father unfortunately encountered organ failure, leading to his last breath at the age of 83 years. During his treatment, Habibie was handled by a team of 34 specialist doctors in heart, internal medicine, and kidney issues as well as by 10 army doctors.
“Peace be upon you. On behalf of all Indonesians and government convey our deepest condolences to the family of Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie’s family. Mr. Habibie was known as a scientist and father of technology, as well as Indonesia’s third president. He has returned to rahmatullah at the age of 83 years,” said President Joko Widodo.
Habibie’s body will be brought home to his residence in Patra Kuningan 13 Block L/15, Jakarta, but not all family members and servants are allowed to enter due to regulations applied by security personnel.
Civilians living around this area are very agitated that Habibie is no longer available to conduct his weekly meet-ups that include him giving advice and aid to those in the lower working class.
BJ Habibie’s legacy continues to resonate with Indonesians. His intelligence was proven from a formula called “The Habibie Factor” which calculates crack progression until the atomic scale of the aircraft construction material. Other than that, he is also highly respected for his personal life story, especially his love for his wife Hasri Ainun Besari, who passed away in Germany in 2010. This love story, which is categorized as a symbol of romance in Indonesia, was beautifully portrayed through the film Habibie and Ainun released in 2012.
Habibie left two children, Ilham Akbar and Thareq Kemal. He will be laid to rest beside his late wife at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery.
Source: CNN Indonesia and Kompas
Image: RRI (Republic Radio Indonesia)