Holding Back Tears After Eril's Funeral, Ridwan Kamil Thanks Him For The Prayers And Support So Far

Ridwan Kamil (Screenshot of West Java Public Relations)

JAKARTA - West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support from the community during the funeral procession for his eldest son, Emmeril Kahn Mumtadz or Eril.

While holding back tears, he asked all parties to give himself and his family time to adapt for a moment.

"I thank you. There will come a time when I can speak better, longer, wider, but this time let us adapt, adapt to the sad situation we are in," said Ridwan Kamil after burying Eril in Cimaung, Bandung Regency, West Java, Monday, June 13.

On that occasion, Emil, Ridwan Kamil's nickname, also apologized to residents who were affected by traffic jams when the convoy of his son's body departed from the Pakuan Building.

"I apologize today if the funeral process makes people uncomfortable on the trip. We apologize, we don't mean to tap the enthusiasm of the residents, which we can't avoid," said the former mayor of Bandung.

Emil said that he and his family had made up for Eril's departure. He believed his son was happy.

"Hopefully these 14 days will be a lesson for all of us that it turns out that millions of prayers come from the acts of worship that we have sown while we are in this world. Eril must be very happy and has calmed down," he said.

"And we as parents have been very sincere, calm, and grateful, thank God that we can be buried in a good place through a good process, and prayed for in a good way," added Emil.

As previously reported, Eril's body was taken to the cemetery in Cimaung, Bandung Regency, West Java from the Pakuan Building at around 09.00 WIB. Along the way, the convoy of hearses was greeted by the public.

Eril died after being swept away by the current of the Aare river while swimming with his sister and a friend who lived in Switzerland.

The body of Ridwan Kamil's eldest son was found by an elementary school teacher named Geraldine Beldi at the Engehalde Dam after a two-week search.