Being one of the national press figures who have a major influence on the development of the world of journalism in the country, Jakob Oetama is known as a humanist and with integrity. These values that he held dear in pioneering Kompas Gramedia which has the main goal to enlighten the community. Born in Joewahan Village, located not far from Borobudur Temple, Central Java on September 27, 1931, this senior journalist in his career and life finished High School Seminary in Yogyakarta in 1951, also B-1 Department of History in 1956, then continued to Publicist College in Jakarta in 1959 which then continued for 18 months at Gadjah Mada University by bagging a Bachelor of Communication degree in 1961. Jakob has also been a junior high school teacher, even a lecturer in the Department of the Communication Fisipol University of Indonesia, and actively gives lectures on media, politics, socio-culture, and management.
For his dedication to the nation, Jakob had the opportunity to hold several awards from the national and international arena. Some of them are Bintang Mahaputera Utama from the Government of Indonesia in 1973, Honoris Causa Doctoral Award from Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta in 2003, World Entrepreneur of The Year Academy 2006 from Ernst & Young, Monaco in 2006, Gold Medal of Spirit Journalism from the National Press Day Community in 2011, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Company Union in 2017, and a number of other awards.
The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) annually consistently organizes the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission Award to give the highest appreciation to broadcasters for their hard work and commitment in producing and presenting quality, educational, and entertaining broadcast programs. The 2021 Indonesian Broadcasting Commission Award will award as many as 25 awards to television, radio, or certain institutions that are the decree of KPI to be given special awards. KPI Awards also always include a special award to a figure in a field related to the world of broadcasting called the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2021, KPI agreed to choose Mr. Jakob Oetama as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The selection was based on his struggle and dedication in the field of journalism, including in the world of broadcasting. In addition, KPI also assesses that Mr. Jakob Oetama is a humanist and consistent in voicing the truth.
Although unable to attend the KPI Award Night 2021, Lilik Oetama as a representative of the family thanked KPI for entrusting this good award to Mr. Jakob Oetama.
"We express our deepest gratitude to the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission for the Lifetime Achievement award given to Mr. Jakob Oetama. This award is also a tribute to all Kompas Gramedia media. Given Mr. Jakob's message, this is part of our efforts to participate in building an Indonesia in a small scope that is part of Indonesia's great ideals and is based on the common humanity of Indonesia," said Lilik Oetama.
On the eve of the 2021 KPI Awards, Senior Editor of Kompas Daily and Vice CEO of KG Media Rikard Bagun on behalf of Kompas Gramedia's extended family was present to receive this award.
"On behalf of Mr. Jakob Oetama's family and of course on behalf of the extended family, the leadership, employees of Kompas Gramedia, I express my deepest gratitude to KPI. I am frankly at a loss for words, because of what was conveyed earlier by Mas Agung Chairman of KPI, then with Mba Sheila, I am really at a loss for words. Mr. Jakob is a figure who unites us from diverse backgrounds, tribes, religions, beliefs, and all are in Kompas Gramedia from Sabang to Merauke. We thank, Mas Agung and all at KPI who have given us encouragement and new energy to jointly look at a better Indonesia. Make Indonesia great again. Thank you," Rikard Bagun said.
This award is a pride for the Great Family of Kompas Gramedia. A figure who has always been a role model in every effort, step, and ideal of the company in providing enlightenment to the community, received a Lifetime Award from the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission. This is proof that the values taught by Mr. Jakob are not only inspiring for Kompas Gramedia employees, but also for the people of Indonesia in general.
Writer: Devin Airlangga/Corp. Communication KG