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Rizal Ramli 'loved his country': Jokowi
Jokowi praised Rizal, a former minister in his first administration who later turned into one of his fiercest critic, as a brilliant economist who loved his country.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo gives a speech during Bank Indonesia's Annual Meeting held in the central bank's Jakarta headquarters on Nov. 30, 2023. (Youtube/Bank Indonesia/-)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed condolences on the death of his former minister Rizal Ramli, who passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday night.
Jokowi also praised Rizal, a former minister in his first administration who later turned into one of his fiercest critics, describing him as a brilliant economist who loved his country.
"I express my condolences on the passing of Bapak Rizal Ramli, former maritime affairs minister who passed away yesterday in Jakarta. I knew him as a brilliant economist and an outspoken activist who loved his nation," Jokowi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.
Jokowi also send a wreath to Rizal's private residence in Mampang, Central Jakarta, where his remains were laid in repose on Wednesday.
Also expressing sympathy on the death of Rizal was former vice president Jusuf Kalla, who in the early 2000s served as his predecessor as director of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).
Kalla told reporters that despite their political differences, he remained on good terms with Rizal, whom he considered a good friend.
"When we were in the government, we often had our differences, sharp ones, and we often clashed. But we remained good friends," Kalla said, as quoted by Antara.
Kalla also praised Rizal as an activist who was consistent in his ideas.
Rizal is survived by his three adult children.
A burial ceremony was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Kebun Purut cemetery in South Jakarta, where his remains were interred.
