In my capacity as Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and a GOLKAR Party cadre, I, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, express my deepest condolences on the passing of Fahmi Idris, Minister of Industry for 2005–2009 and a GOLKAR Party senior. He passed away on Sunday, 22 May 2022, at Medistra Hospital, Jakarta.
I remember him as a complete figure, full of consistent dedication never limited by age. He always gave much guidance and input on developing the national industrial sector. The extended Ministry of Industry family has truly lost a figure who left many legacies and policies in national industrial development and consistently offered advice for the progress of domestic industry until his passing.
During his tenure as Minister of Industry, the late Fahmi Idris issued various popular industrial policies that are still in place today, including forming the Team for Increased Use of Domestically Produced Goods/Services. This policy encouraged the use of domestic products among government agencies and institutions, including state-owned enterprises, and aimed to introduce domestic products to the wider public so they could use them to meet household needs.
He also initiated the program to convert kerosene to LPG in 2007. Besides shifting energy use, this policy spurred related industries such as steel LPG cylinders, cylinder valves, gas stoves, gas stove regulators and rubber gas hoses.
Another policy he launched was improving textile and textile products (TPT) industry technology through assistance for purchasing TPT machinery/equipment in 2007. The program increased the competitiveness, effectiveness and productivity of the national TPT industry, securing domestic and export market needs.
I also deeply felt the late Fahmi Idris's consistent dedication in the GOLKAR Party organization. He was a GOLKAR senior with a complete record of achievement in the Party, government and business. These achievements never dampened his spirit and determination to keep contributing ideas and thoughts to the nation through the GOLKAR Party. He was always humble. Age could not stop him from serving and thirsting for knowledge; recently he even received a Doctorate in Philosophy from Universitas Indonesia and an Honorary Professorship from Universitas Andalas, Padang.
His dedication and excellent character should be an example for officials, politicians, businesspeople and especially the nation's young generation. May Allah SWT grant him the best place. Farewell and rest in peace, Bang Fahmi. May those of us still living carry on all his legacies.
Jakarta, 22 May 2022
Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia,
Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita