Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s journalism community is mourning the loss of senior journalist and the former chairman of the Indonesian Press Council (Dewan Pers), Atmakusumah Astraatmadja, who passed away on Thursday, January 2, in Jakarta.
News of Atmakusumah’s passing circulated widely through journalist networks on WhatsApp and was later confirmed by the current Chair of the Press Council, Ninik Rahayu. She stated that Atmakusumah had died due to illness.
“Atmakusumah Astraatmadja, the first chairman of Indonesia’s Press Council following the reform era, passed away today, January 2, 2025, at 1:05 PM local time in Jakarta. Please pray for Mr. Atma to be granted the best place by His side. Amen,” read the message circulating widely.
Atmakusumah passed away at 1:05 PM local time at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Kencana in Jakarta, where he had been receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This information was conveyed by his second son, Rama Ardana Astraatmadja.
“My father was treated in the ICU on the third floor of RSCM Kencana,” said Rama Ardana Astraatmadja, on Thursday, as reported by Antara. “Please keep him in your prayers so that his good deeds and contributions may be remembered and benefit those he leaves behind,” he added
A Legacy of Dedication to Press Freedom
Born in Labuan, Banten, on October 20, 1938, Atmakusumah began his journalism career in his early twenties at the Indonesia Raya Medio newspaper in the 1950s. His passion for press freedom defined his career, and he played a significant role in advocating for Indonesia’s 1999 Press Law.
According to Antara, Atmakusumah served as the chairman of the Indonesian Press Council from 2000 to 2003. He was the first to lead what was referred to as an “independent” Press Council, established under Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, a product of Indonesia’s Reform Era.
The term “independent” marked a significant shift, as it was the first time the council was chaired by a public figure rather than a government official. Previously, under Law No. 11 of 1966 on Press Provisions, the council had been led by Indonesia’s Minister of Information.
Atmakusumah’s career spanned pivotal moments in Indonesian history, including the closure of Indonesia Raya Medio in 1958 and its re-publication in 1968. He witnessed its subsequent shutdown again in 1974 under the New Order regime after reporting on the January 15 Tragedy (Malari).
Legacy Beyond Journalism
Beyond his work in print media, Atmakusumah also contributed to international outlets such as Radio Australia and Deutsche Welle, offering commentary on domestic and global issues, as reported by Medcom.id. In 2000, he received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in recognition of his contributions to press freedom.
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Even in his later years, Atmakusumah remained active in mentoring young journalists through the Soetomo Press Institute (LPDS). He also continued to share insights through the LPDS platform’s “Atma Menjawab” (Atma Answers) column.
In 2023, Atmakusumah received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indonesian Press Council, a testament to his unwavering dedication to journalism and press freedom in Indonesia.
Atmakusumah Astraatmadja leaves behind a profound legacy as a journalist, educator, and advocate for a free and independent press—an enduring inspiration for generations to come.
(Raidi/Agung)
