Eminent Indonesian Man of Letters Wimar Witoelar Passes Away

These views made him a stalwart on Indonesian and international media, as he became a featured columnist on publications such as Today, Business Week, and Newsweek, as well as news networks such as ABC, CNBC, and CNN.

He also made a breakthrough in Indonesian broadcasting with his 1995 talkshow Perspektif, which  pushed the boundaries of the country’s then tightly muzzled media.

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Known for its direct, pointed take on contemporary issues, the format contrasted with the indirect, euphemized style of the time.

Wimar also published four books, No Regrets in 2002, A Book about Nothing 2006, More About Nothing 2009, and Sweet Nothings 2014. His eminent standing was also reflected in his tenure as an adjunct professor at Deakin University in Australia.

Sri Mulyani epitomized the nation’s sense of loss with her eulogy. “Goodbye Wimar, Indonesia and I lost a loyal, caring friend. May you find a place beside God, and be reunited [with your late wife] Suvatchara.” Wimar is survived by two sons.

(Writers: Dian Erika Nugraheny, Tsarina Maharani, Fika Nurul Ulya | Editor : Kristian Erdianto, Icha Rastika, Yoga Sukmana)

Sources:

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/19/10174951/mantan-jubir-gus-dur-wimar-witoelar-meninggal-dunia. 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/19/11034271/wimar-witoelar-penulis-dan-mantan-jubir-kepresidenan-itu-berpulang. 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/19/15205591/sosok-wimar-witoelar-dalam-kenangan-maruf-amin. 

https://money.kompas.com/read/2021/05/19/120225326/kenang-wimar-witoelar-sri-mulyani-dia-seorang-kawan-sejati?page=all#page2.