Minister of Religious Affairs Visits Family Home of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama to Offer Condolences: Her Significant Contributions

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, visited the home of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, widow of the late Kompas Gramedia founder Jakob Oetama, in Jakarta on Wednesday (27 May 2026). Nasaruddin expressed deep condolences over the death of Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, who passed away on Tuesday (26 May 2026) at the age of 91. ‘Today coincides with Eid al-Adha, but we also received the sad news of the passing of Mrs. Jakob Oetama,’ Nasaruddin said, quoted by Kompas TV. He acknowledged a personal closeness with Jakob Oetama and received much advice during the Kompas Gramedia founder’s lifetime. ‘Pak Jakob was like a father to me. I received many wise words and good advice,’ he said. ‘I personally am deeply impressed by the Oetama family. May they be accepted favourably by God, and may all their children and family be granted patience and resilience,’ he added. According to him, the values left behind by Jakob Oetama and Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama should be continued by the next generation. ‘And may the legacy of the late couple be carried forward by their juniors and all of us, continuing to enlighten the Indonesian people,’ Nasaruddin added. During the visit, Nasaruddin, who is also the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, paid his final respects to Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, who had accompanied Jakob Oetama for so long. ‘As Minister of Religious Affairs and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, I personally bid farewell to Mrs. Jakob, who accompanied Mr. Jakob for so long, creating remarkable social cohesion. We must acknowledge her significant contributions. Thank you,’ he said. The entire Kompas Gramedia family mourns the passing of Mrs. Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama, wife of the late founder Mr. Jakob Oetama. Kompas Gramedia also stated that Maria Bernadeth Latifah Oetama’s departure leaves behind exemplary character and love for the Kompas Gramedia family. Kompas Gramedia also prayed that Maria would rest in eternal peace and that her family be granted strength and resilience.