Wimar Witoelar’s consistency in fighting for democracy with his idealism and critical thinking but always conveyed politely and humorously, will be his legacy.
By
NINA SUSILO/PRAYOGI DWI SULISTYO
·3 minutes read
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Wimar Witoelar, a figure who had consistently fought for democracy, passed away at the age of 75 at 08.56 on Wednesday (19/5/2021) at Pondok Indah Hospital, Jakarta. The thoughts of the former spokesperson of Indonesia’s fourth president, Abdurrahman Wahid, were idealistic and critical but still conveyed politely and often humorously, a legacy he leaves that will not be forgotten.
The news of the death of the man who was born on July 14, 1945, was conveyed by the president director of the InterMatrix Communication Consulting Bureau, which was founded by Wimar, Erna Indriana. Wimar died of sepsis or an infection throughout the body, causing him to experience multi-organ failure.
During his life, Wimar served as a journalist and columnist for several national and international newspapers. The man who was born in Padalarang, Bandung, for example, was the author of the column Asal Usul (Originals) in Kompas since 1995. He quit after his appointment as the spokesman for President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur in 2000.
He wanted to encourage people to communicate straightforwardly, clearly, honestly and intelligently.
Wimar, who studied at the Bandung Institute of Technology, initiated the Perspective talk show on the SCTV television station and had hosted the program since 1994.
To Kompas, at that time, Wimar said he initiated the Perspective talk show because he wanted to encourage people to communicate straightforwardly, clearly, honestly and intelligently. Through this television program, Wimar also tried to put the problem in its place.
Through his writings and talk show , Wimar always struggled for political and government reform.
Reform activist
Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko recalled Wimar as a columnist who dared to criticize the New Order government in national and international media. His criticism put his name in the ranks of reformation activists who were respected.
"Pak Wimar often gave funny, but critical comments in every television program he hosted," said Moeldoko.
Wimar passed away just two days before the commemoration of Reformation Day on May 21. Because of that, according to Moeldoko, Indonesia lost a critical reformation figure.
Vice President Ma\'ruf Amin also remembered Wimar as a critical and idealist figure. "The deceased was a good person, critical and idealistic," he said.
A similar impression was conveyed by Gus Dur\'s daughter, Zannuba Ariffah Chafsoh, who is known as Yenny Wahid.
The deceased was a good person, critical and idealistic.
He said that Wimar founded the Ordinary People Party as a symbol of protest against the political system in Indonesia, which was only controlled by the party elite. Wimar was consistent in criticizing those in power to voice the interests of the ordinary people and always fought for democracy. This is the legacy of the values he left behind.
Wimar\'s idealism and expertise led President Gus Dur to appoint him as a spokesman. "I\'m not looking for a spokesman like him, I need him. I need Wimar, ”said Gus Dur when he appointed Wimar as spokesman.
Compassionate
Behind his work in national politics, the husband of Suvatchara Witoelar was known as a kind and loving person. Erna said, during 21 years working together with him, Wimar always maintained good relations with his subordinates. Wimar also really loved his wife and two children, Satya Tulaka Witoelar and Aree Widya Witoelar. Wimar applied his affection to his family at the office.
Not only his family and employees, many colleagues also have good memories of Wimar. It is not surprising that many figures conveyed their sorrow and feelings of loss over the death of Wimar, among others, through social media.