Honorary celebration: Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kojiro Shiojiri (right) shakes hand with Jakob Oetama, Kompas Gramedia Groups’s president commissioner, after the latter receives an honor of “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” from the Japanese government at the ambassadorial residence Wednesday. JP/Wendra Ajistyatama
Kompas Gramedia Group’s president commissioner Jakob Oetama received a royal honor from the Japanese government Wednesday for his contribution to developing Japan-Indonesia relations.
The honor of “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” was presented by Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kojiro Shiojiri to Jakob at the ambassadorial residence in Jakarta.
In his speech, Shiojiri said Jakob had contributed to the develop-ment of bilateral ties through the publication on Japanese culture and bilateral cooperations in Kompas, the largest daily newspaper in
Indonesia.
“He has participated in the intellectual exchange between Japan and Indonesia in cultural and journalism arenas. He has actively offered Bentara Budaya, a cultural performance and exhibition building belonging to Kompas, to hold Japanese cultural events,” the ambassador added.
Jakob was born on Sept. 27, 1931 in the Central Java regency of Magelang.
He graduated from Gadjah Mada University in 1961 and began his journalism career with local Intisari magazine before establishing Kompas with P.K. Ojong.
Jakob served as the newspaper’s chief editor between 1965 and 2001.
He also served as a House of Representatives member from 1966-1977.
Many international observers have praised him as an influential journalist in the country, advocating peace journalism, while successfully widening the horizon of Indonesian press, paving the way for the
creation of modern, responsible, non-partisan and far-reaching newspapers.
“I am humbled to receive this honor. I believe my success is the result of teamwork,” said Jakob in a speech at the event.
Jakob, who received a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from Gadjah Mada University, said he was impressed by the Japanese Meiji Restoration, during which the country restored its economy, becoming a leading industrialized country in the world.
“I have been inspired by the Meiji Restoration. I would like to spread this spirit to my colleagues, friends and family.”
To date, the Japanese government has presented 70 different honors to Indonesians, including Jakob.
Japan and Indonesia celebrated its 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2008, during which the Kompas group sponsored several events to promote bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan.
