Indonesian Business Leader and Former Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel Dies at 63

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesian businessman, senior lawmaker, and former Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel died early Friday at Brawijaya Hospital in South Jakarta. He was 63.

Gobel, chairman of Panasonic Gobel Group and a member of the House of Representatives from the NasDem Party, died at around 3:20 a.m. local time, according to information released by his family.

Gobel was one of Indonesia's most prominent business leaders, helping build Panasonic's manufacturing presence in the country while later playing influential roles in government and parliament. His career reflected the close economic relationship between Indonesia and Japan and the growing role of business leaders in shaping national industrial policy.

The Gorontalo provincial government paid tribute to Gobel in a social media statement.

"The Government and people of Gorontalo express their deepest condolences on the passing of Rachmat Gobel. His kindness and contributions will always remain in the hearts and minds of the people of Gorontalo," the provincial government said.

According to the family, Gobel is survived by his wife, Retno Damayanti, two children, grandchildren, and extended family members.

His body will lie in state at the family residence on Jalan Supomo in South Jakarta before being flown to Gorontalo for burial.

The family also asked the public to pray for him and forgive any shortcomings during his lifetime.

From Manufacturing Executive to Cabinet Minister

Born on Sept. 3, 1962, Gobel was the eldest son of Thayeb Mohammad Gobel, founder of Gobel Group, the Indonesian electronics manufacturer that later partnered with Japan's Panasonic to establish what is now Panasonic Gobel Indonesia.

After graduating from Chuo University in Tokyo with a degree in international trade, Gobel returned to Indonesia in 1989 and joined the family business. He steadily rose through the company, serving in senior executive and commissioner roles while expanding its manufacturing operations.

Beyond Panasonic Gobel, he was active in the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), where he represented the country's electronics and manufacturing sector.

A Career in Public Service

In 2014, President Joko Widodo appointed Gobel as Indonesia's trade minister, where he promoted domestic industry and manufacturing competitiveness. He served until a cabinet reshuffle in 2015.

Gobel later entered electoral politics and won a parliamentary seat representing Gorontalo in the 2019 legislative election. He subsequently served as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 term and was re-elected in 2024 to continue representing the province.

Throughout his political career, Gobel remained a vocal advocate for industrial development, regional economic growth, and stronger Indonesia-Japan economic cooperation.