Jakarta. Top politicians, government officials, and business community members gathered at the funeral ceremony of former senior minister Rizal Ramli on Wednesday to commemorate the loss of a cherished friend and passionate advocate of populist economic policies.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla reminisced about Rizal as a "visionary thinker and activist" devoted to advancing national economic sovereignty and democratic principles, portraying him as a "man of unwavering principles."

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno reflected on shared experiences with Rizal during their active engagement in the Indonesian Native Entrepreneurs Association (Asprindo).

"We bid farewell to a national luminary who ardently championed pro-people economic policies," Sandiaga said at Rizal’s residence on Bangka IX Street, South Jakarta.

"At Asprindo, we advocated for increased participation of native entrepreneurs in Indonesia's economic development," the minister added.

Former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Jimly Asshiddiqie, Great Indonesia Movement Party Ahmad Muzani Secretary-General, and former Energy Minister Sudirman Said were also among those attending the funeral.

President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin conveyed their respects by sending floral wreaths to honor Rizal.

Rizal passed away at the age of 69 while undergoing treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta on Tuesday. The family said he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He served as the coordinating minister for investment and maritime affairs from August 2015 to July 2016 during President Jokowi’s initial term before emerging as a vocal critic of the government.

During his tenure in the Jokowi cabinet, he frequently clashed with fellow members and voiced his dissent through media channels.

In the brief presidency of Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), Rizal held significant ministerial roles, including serving as the coordinating minister for the economy and finance minister from August 2000 to August 2001.

Before his ministerial appointments, he led the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) for a year.

In 2018, Rizal publicly declared his intention to contest the 2019 presidential election, although he failed to secure the support of any political party.

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