IO, Bandung – Universitas Kebangsaan Republik Indonesia (UKRI) Rector Dr. Boyke Setiawan has passed away. On 22:25 WIB, Wednesday (8/1) night the doctor, better known as Ambo, started his eternal rest in Muhammadiyah Hospital, Bandung.
Dr. Boyke was 68 years of age when he died. The news of his passing was first delivered by Dahnil Anzar, a spokesperson for Minister Prabowo Subianto, through his Twitter account on Wednesday (8/1). “Mr. Dr. dr. Boyke Setiawan has passed away in Muhammadiyah. Please pray for him friends, and Inshallah (God willing), he khusnul khotimah (died at his best),” wrote Dahnil Anzar.
An atmosphere of grief blanked UKRI. Dr. Boyke’s body was laid in Sumitro Djojohadikusumo Hall, UKRI, Jalan Terusan Halimun, Bandung. In attendance was his family, academic community, and Minister of Defense Prabowo. The Minister and his group paid their respects and participated in the Islamic funeral prayers, then conversed shortly with the family and expressed their condolences. “I believe Pak Boyke was someone who was very patriotic, nationalistic, a hard worker and a good leader. I knew him well. This is a great loss for us all,” said Prabowo.
Dr. Boyke was known as one of Prabowo’s confidantes. As a result, the death of Boyke is a great loss to the 68-year-old minister.
Representatives of the university shared their memories of Boyke, describing him as relaxed, egalitarian but disciplined, and very dedicated to advancing the university. UKRI Deputy Rector for Academics Arining Wibowo said that during the time of Boyke’s leadership, the university was able to score several achievements. “Among others was the improvement of their accreditation to a “B” score, the addition of study programs, the improvement of prosperity of lecturers and workers, alongside increasing enrollment by twofold,” he said.
Prabowo Subianto had entrusted Dr. Boyke to serve as Rector of UKRI in 2017. Before that, Boyke had worked for Prabowo as Manager of the Nusantara Polo Club. Through the Nusantara Polo Club, the Indonesian national polo team was born. Dr. Boyke was the first national polo team manager to be able to enable the team to compete in the SEA Games. Dr. Boyke was a doctor and a former soldier in Kopassus, the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) elite Special Force.
Doctor Boyke’s remains were interred in Cikutra Heroes Cemetery, Bandung. He will be fondly remembered by his friends and family. (Dsy)