Sorrowful news hangs over Indonesia's business and political spheres. Rachmat Gobel, a figure known as a successful entrepreneur and public figure, was reported to have passed away on Friday (July 10, 2026) in Jakarta. The news of his passing was confirmed directly by his family through an official statement on social media.
Born into a prominent business family, Rachmat Gobel was the fifth child of Thayeb Mohammad Gobel and Annie Nento Gobel. From a young age, he was groomed to carry on the leadership baton of the Gobel Group. His career journey started from the bottom; he even experienced working as a cleaning staff member at a factory during his middle school years, before eventually climbing the managerial ranks.
Rachmat Gobel's dedication to education was evident in his successful completion of International Trade studies at Chuo University, Japan, at the age of 24. His practical experience was further honed during an internship at the Matsushita Group in Osaka. Upon returning to Indonesia in 1989, he assumed a strategic role as Assistant to the President Director at PT National Gobel, which has now transformed into PT Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia.
Beyond his corporate success, the deceased also devoted himself to public service by serving as Minister of Trade for the 2014–2015 period. Prior to his passing, he actively served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) from the NasDem Party. Rachmat Gobel's passing is a great loss for the nation, given his long-standing contributions to strengthening the national industrial sector.
