Ridwan Kamil Recounts Late-Son's Heroism, Kindness in a Touching Online Post

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following the tragic missing of his eldest son Emmeril Kahn Mumtadz during a swim at Switzerland’s River Aare on May 26, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil published a touching obituary on Sunday, June 5, across his multiple social media accounts in respect of his son who is also known as ‘Eril.’

“Allow me as Eril’s father to testify to his work and enthusiasm towards the life he had. I am truly confident that Eril would not be too keen to have his good deeds and kindness recalled publicly,” the governor opened the touching post. 

He then wrote about his belief that people’s ages are measured based on years and months but also through how long and the depth of their life virtue as they lived, as he believes life in its nature is a journey. 

“Considering the vastness of his benevolence, Inshallah (God willing) [his life] had been long-lived,” Ridwan Kamil wrote. 

Kamil then wrote about his pride in having a son like Eril who has fulfilled his expectations as a parent, especially Eril’s humbleness and religious approach towards life. The governor revealed that Eril, throughout his life, never relied on his parents’ status as government officials or his father’s wealth as an architect.

Eril would often donate to orphanages and consistently donate to local neighborhood security guards. “Is this an answer to your night-time prayers and your noble morals who constantly smile that radiate happiness Ril?”

Ridwan Kamil believes Eril’s kindness and selfishness to protect others surrounding him had prevented others from danger, "Even during that incident, you saved your mother by forbidding her from entering the river and you gave the lifevest for your sister. You are an actual hero."

During his life, Eril also led the non-profit organization Jaber Bergerak Zillenial which conducts humanitarian aid by mobilizing West Java’s youths. 

Emmeril “Eril” Kahn Mumtadz was born in New York City on June 25, 1999, and passed on May 26, 2022, at the tender age of 23. Swiss authorities are currently nearly into their second week of the search for the West Java Governor’s son. 

TEMPO.CO | ISTIQOMATUL HAYATI

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News