Ignasius Jonan Attends Wake of Latifah Oetama, Expresses Admiration for Deceased

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Indonesian Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan attended the funeral home of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama to offer condolences on Thursday afternoon (28 May 2026).

According to Kompas.com’s observations at the scene, Jonan arrived at 15:43 WIB wearing a white shirt and black trousers. He immediately approached the coffin where Latifah’s body was laid.

After offering prayers, Jonan joined Muhammad Qodari, Head of the Presidential Communication Bureau, who had already been seated with Latifah’s family at a round table.

“This is truly remarkable, her age above 90, and may her children, Mr. Liliek and siblings, find strength. After all, at over 90, we pray for the best,” Jonan said at the funeral home on Thursday.

While sitting with Qodari, Jonan listened to stories from Latifah’s children. He admitted not knowing Latifah personally but was familiar with her husband, Jakob Oetama, and their son Liliek Oetama.

“I did not know the deceased well. I knew Mr. Yakob, and Mr. Liliek, as well as her family,” he said.

Previously, Jonan had sent a black and yellow wreath to the funeral home.

“The condolences of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, mother of Mr. Lilik Oetama. Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Working Cabinet 2014-2016,” read the wreath.

Other attendees included Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Religious Affairs Minister Nasraruddin Umar, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Deputy Minister of Communications and Informatics Nezar Patria and Angga Raka Prabowo, and Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa.

Additionally, wreaths were sent by BRIN Chief Arief Satria, TNI Chief of Staff General Richard Tampubolon, former Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno, and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, among others.

Maria is scheduled to be buried at Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery in South Jakarta on Friday (29 May 2026).

Earlier, the Kompas Gramedia family expressed condolences over Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama’s passing.

“The entire Kompas Gramedia family mourns the passing of Mrs. Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, wife of the late Mr. Jakob Oetama, founder of Kompas Gramedia,” said the @kompasgramedia Instagram account on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

Kompas Gramedia also prayed for Maria to rest in eternal peace and for the bereaved family to be granted strength and resilience.