Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, expressed his condolences over the passing of former president Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie who died at the age of 83 at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) in Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (9/11) evening.

Indonesia is grieving. We are all grieving

He stated that Habibie's services were very meaningful in the development of Indonesian press freedom during his leadership through Law number 44/1999 on Press.

"The mass media, journalism is deeply indebted to Mr. Habibie. He started and made us all feel freedom of journalism as we feel today," Anies expressed as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

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He recalled his first meeting with him when he was in grade 3rd in high school. At that time, he departed from Yogyakarta to Jakarta to interview him who served as the Minister of Research and Technology in his office.

Anies went on to say that this moment was an unforgettable experience and friendship continued until he is currently serving at Jakarta City Hall.

"Over the years, parents remind their children to study hard to be like Mr. Habibie. He is an inspiration to millions of families, millions of Indonesian children," he told.

BJ Habibie had given a good example of someone who had worked in Germany with a very good position and then chose to return to Indonesia in 1970 when Indonesia was still crawling.

He is a role model for the Indonesian people in which his knowledge can be transferred to the nation's children and left through usefulness in various sectors.

"Indonesia is grieving. We are all grieving. Insya Allah, we believe Allah glorifies Mr. Habibie and his charity is extraordinarily. He has contributed to thousands of our children through extraordinary high education and his role is very meritorious," he closed.