President Jokowi's Spokesperson Grieves: Bang Wimar Is My Teacher

The late Wimar Witoelar / Antara

JAKARTA - Presidential spokesman Joko Widodo, M Fadjroel Rachman remembers the late Wimar Witoelar as a teacher for the presidential spokesperson.

"Bang Wimar is my teacher as the Presidential Spokesperson and television presenter," said Fadjroel as quoted from his upload on his personal Twitter account @fadjroeL reported by Antara, Wednesday, May 19.

On that occasion, he also prayed for the late Wimar Witoelar, former spokesman for the Indonesian Fourth President Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur, who died in a husnul khotimah state.

“Bang Wimar is the spokesman for President Gus Dur. Insya Allah Husnul Khotimah, ”added Fadjroel.

Husnul khotimah or good end is a prayer that is often said by Muslims to people who have passed away.

Wimar, a reformist figure, journalist, businessman, lecturer and columnist, died at 09.00 WIB, Wednesday, May 19 at Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta, after being critical for several days.

"Thank you for praying for all friends and friends of WW (Wimar Witoelar) wherever you are. Please forgive all WW's mistakes. WW has gone to meet God Almighty calmly at 09.00 this morning, Wednesday, 19 May 2021," said the Director of InterMatrix. Communication (IMX) Erna Indriana confirmed the news of Wimar Witoelar's passing through her written message in Jakarta, Wednesday.

He explained that Wimar's body was planned to be buried at the Tanah Kusir Cemetery, Jakarta. However, Erna has not been able to provide further information regarding the timing of the funeral.

The chairman of the New Perspective Foundation, Hayat Mansur, was also provided with the same information in a written statement in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Hayat asked relatives and friends who want to pay their last respects at the funeral to remain in compliance with the provisions of health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"We appeal to relatives and friends who want to pay their last respects and prayers can be carried out at the funeral while still adhering to health protocols," said Hayat.

Wimar, owner of the IMX Consulting Bureau and founder of the New Perspective Foundation, died at the age of 75, after he was diagnosed with sepsis - a medical condition caused by inflammation due to an infection in the body.

When Wimar was in critical condition, several community leaders, including the Presidential Chief of Staff, Moeldoko, had invited the public to pray for the recovery of the former spokesman for Gus Dur.