Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama's Legacy of Simplicity

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Simplicity remains the most cherished value in the life of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, wife of Kompas Gramedia founder Jakob Oetama, who died at 91 on Tuesday (26/5/2026).

The eldest son of Jakob Oetama, Irwan Oetama, recalls his mother as an educator at home who raised her children with a simple and independent lifestyle. According to Irwan, he and his siblings were taught from a young age to do household chores themselves without relying on others.

Irwan believes the simple and active lifestyle adopted by his parents was a key reason for their long lives. “Now we understand why our parents lived so long. They did everything themselves, while our friends would ride motorcycles or be driven by car. By walking, we were given health, so it was very simple,” he said.

He also recalls his mother’s daily routine of waking up early to prepare for the family before the children went to school. “Our mother had five children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. We are grateful to our parents. Our youngest sister, Lilik Oetama, is now 61, and I am the eldest at 68. Only recently was I told I am now an orphan. Imagine how long we spent with our father and mother,” he said.

Irwan also remembers his father Jakob’s passing in 2020 and believes his parents are now reunited. “In 2020, father left mother, and after six years apart, they are together again. We believe our parents have met in another eternal, happy realm, free from drama,” he said.

A Requiem Mass for Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama will be held at the family home on Thursday (28/5/2026) at 6:30 PM WIB, followed by the casket closing ceremony. A farewell Mass will take place on Friday (29/5/2026) at 9:00 AM WIB before her burial at Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery in South Jakarta.