Jakarta. Billionaire, former Trade and Industry Minister under Soeharto's New Order – also famous for being the dictator's golf buddy – and Indonesian Athletics Federation chairman Bob Hasan died on Tuesday morning at the age of 89 at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Central Jakarta. 

The federation's (PB PASI) spokesman Hendri Firzani said Bob passed away after a short battle with lung cancer.

"Bob was diagnosed [with cancer] in January and underwent chemotherapy in Bangkok. He had been receiving treatment at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital for the past three weeks," Hendri said on Tuesday. 

The former trade and industry minister in Soeharto's New Order government was initially diagnosed with bone cancer, but the illness had spread to his lungs.

He will be buried at his family's private cemetery complex in Ungaran, Central Java, on Wednesday.

Hendri said mourners at the funeral service would be limited to minimize the spread of Covid-19.

"We will all pray from our homes. Only one or two [PB PASI] representatives will attend the funeral," Hendri said.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said Bob has long been an influential figure in the world of sports and entrepreneurship.

"The legacy and leadership that Bob demonstrated to us both in athletics and entrepreneurship will always be remembered," Agus said.

Bob had dedicated 47 years of his life to develop the country's track and field athletes, he added. 

"Talented athletes like Sarengat, Purnomo, Mardi Lestari and Lalu Zohri are just a few of hundreds who had been coached by Bob," the minister said. 

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zainudin Amali said Bob's dedication to track and field was palpable from his desire to keep monitoring athletes' preparation even in his last year while he was ill. 

"His services to sports in Indonesia were extraordinary. All his sacrifice and devotion – most of his life was dedicated to the advancement of Indonesian sports, especially in track and field," Zainudin said.