A solemn atmosphere blanketed the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta on Friday (10/7/2026) during the funeral procession for national figure and NasDem Party politician, Rachmad Gobel. The deceased, who passed away at the age of 63 due to a heart attack, was laid to rest with military honors, marking the end of the life journey of a figure known for his high integrity.
Born in Jakarta on September 3, 1962, Rachmad was the son of Thayeb Mohammad Gobel, the visionary behind the success of the Gobel Group. Following his father's passing in 1984, the young Rachmad took on immense responsibility. Equipped with an education from Chuo University in Japan, he successfully transformed the family business into a respected electronics industry giant while diversifying into logistics, real estate, and food sectors.
His career in the public sphere began when he was appointed Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2014–2015 period. His extensive experience in international business, particularly his ties to Japanese corporations, served as an asset in formulating strategic national trade policies at the time.
Not stopping at the executive branch, Rachmad continued his dedication through the legislature by joining the NasDem Party. During his tenure in the House of Representatives (DPR RI), which included serving as Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI for the 2019–2024 term, he was known for consistently championing regional aspirations, especially those of his parents' hometown, Gorontalo.
In Gorontalo, Rachmad left a tangible legacy through the revitalization of tourist areas such as the Pakaya Tower and Pentadio Resort, as well as strengthening the agricultural sector and MSMEs. His focus on infrastructure development and improving human resource quality through education made him a deeply respected figure among local residents until the end of his life.
