Three National Figures Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
JAKARTA – B.J. Habibie, Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, and William Soeryadjaya received Lifetime Achievement Awards at an event entitled Three Figures, One Indonesia, held on Monday (26 October 2026). The awards recognised their contributions to Indonesia’s development through technology, humanitarian work and business.
Katadata co-founder and chief executive Metta Dharmasaputra said the three figures demonstrated that differences in background do not prevent people from contributing to the nation. They shared a spirit of service, he said, despite pursuing different paths.
“The Katadata Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to three national figures from different backgrounds. Yet each has nurtured a spirit of togetherness in their own way as they worked to build a united Indonesia. Three figures, one Indonesia,” Metta said in Jakarta on Monday (26 October 2026).
The awards were intended to rekindle the spirit of unity ahead of Youth Pledge Day. Habibie is remembered for his work in developing science, technology and the aerospace industry. Gus Dur is known for his advocacy for humanity and diversity, while William Soeryadjaya contributed to industrial development through business.
The event was attended by representatives of the award recipients’ families: Ilham Akbar Habibie, Yenny Wahid and Edwin Soeryadjaya. Sukidi, a thinker on diversity, also delivered a national address on the values inherited from the three figures.
Yenny Wahid said Gus Dur’s struggle was not limited to defending minority groups, but encompassed the rights of everyone who experienced injustice, regardless of identity.
“There is much I learned from Gus Dur, above all his courage to say what was right and what was wrong, even though he had to pay a very high price for what he believed in. For Gus Dur, humanity mattered more than identity: all creatures are God’s creations,” Yenny said.
Ilham Akbar Habibie, meanwhile, stressed that his father’s work was connected not only to technological development but also to democracy. Scientific and technological progress, he said, must go hand in hand with morality and ethics.
“In fact, he also promoted democracy. He often emphasised the close relationship between technology and science, and democracy, morality and ethics. We need continuity between scientific and technological progress and a commitment to morality and ethics,” Ilham said.
Edwin Soeryadjaya highlighted integrity as one of the key values passed down by his father. William Soeryadjaya, he said, constantly reminded his family to uphold honesty in their lives.
“One thing our father reminded me of was that we had to hold on to our integrity. We were always reminded to be honest,” Edwin said.
Habibie’s legacy is reflected, among other things, in the development of the N-250 aircraft as an effort to strengthen Indonesia’s technological independence and national aerospace industry. He is also known for supporting democratic development and stressing the importance of balancing technological progress with moral responsibility.
Gus Dur’s legacy includes his ideas on human dignity and respect for difference. As Indonesia’s fourth president, he was known for championing minority rights and creating space for the diverse cultural expressions of society.
In the economic sphere, William Soeryadjaya is remembered for his role in developing industry and business. Industry is considered important to national development, including through job creation, improving workers’ skills and fostering innovation.
In his national address, Sukidi urged the public to take inspiration from integrity in entrepreneurship, the courage to develop technology and a commitment to humanity. He said these values remained relevant in addressing economic challenges, technological change and social polarisation.
Sukidi said Habibie represented scientific progress and democracy, Gus Dur embodied pluralism, and William Soeryadjaya demonstrated the importance of hard work and integrity in business.
“I see the Youth Pledge as a key milestone for unity and togetherness in advancing Indonesia. Therefore, we express our gratitude to the Katadata family for taking the initiative to draw on the flame and spirit of the Youth Pledge by presenting special awards to these three national figures,” Sukidi said.
Through the Three Figures, One Indonesia awards, the organisers hope the values inherited from the three figures will inspire young people to contribute to Indonesia by developing technology, strengthening the economy, upholding integrity, and respecting humanity and diversity.