President Prabowo pays tribute to Qatar's late Father Emir

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences on the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Qatar's former emir and the father of the country's current Emir.

The President paid his respects by visiting the Qatari Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Arriving around 12:40 p.m. local time, he was welcomed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Qatari Ambassador to Indonesia Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari.

The President proceeded to a room to convey his message through a book of condolences, paid his final respects, and offered prayers for the late Father Emir, according to a statement received from the Presidential Secretariat.

“On behalf of the government of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Highness Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Prabowo wrote in the book of condolences.

He also prayed that the late former emir would be granted the best place alongside God.

The government described Prabowo’s visit to the embassy as reflecting the nation’s respect for the late Father Emir, and underscored the long-standing harmonious relations between Indonesia and Qatar.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sugiono said Sheikh Hamad was a figure with a pivotal role in transforming Qatar into an emerging global power.

“He was also the leader who transformed Qatar into a highly influential country,” Sugiono said.

Qatar announced that the former emir passed away on Sunday (July 12) at the age of 74.

During his reign from 1995 to 2013, Sheikh Hamad introduced sweeping reforms that transformed Qatar, including developing the liquefied natural gas industry and establishing the Al Jazeera media network.

He also contributed to enhancing ties with Indonesia, meeting then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on at least two occasions, first in 2006 in Doha and later in Jakarta in 2009.

After voluntarily abdicating in 2013, he handed over leadership to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who hosted President Prabowo in Doha in April and September 2025.

Related news: Indonesia extends condolences to Qatar on passing of former emir

Translator: F. Rochman, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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