UMN Commemorates Jakob Oetama’s Legacy on The 19th Anniversary

Group photo of the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation during a pilgrimage to Jakob Oetama’s grave. (Doc. UMN)

Jakarta, (November 28, 2025) – In commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation, the extended family of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) paid a visit to the grave of Jakob Oetama, founder of Kompas Gramedia, at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery. This routine activity is not only intended as a tribute from the Universitas Multimedia Nusantara family, but also to remember Jakob Oetama for continuing to enlighten the Indonesian people through education.

Jakob Oetama was the founder of Kompas Gramedia, and his vision and mission of “Enlighten People” has been embodied by Jakob Oetama through UMN. This commitment continues to be upheld by the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation to provide quality education to the community. This is also evidenced by the various educational institutions established, including Multimedia Nusantara Polytechnic and Multimedia Nusantara School.

Teddy delivered a message to the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation. (Doc. UMN)

“Mr. Jakob gave us a mission in the field of education, which is why we need to be here. This is our way of expressing our gratitude and respect for his services in the field of education. Currently, the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation continues to grow and provide facilities for children aged 3 to the future, and it is hoped that doctoral programs can be realized,” Ir. Teddy Surianto, Chairman of the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation, said.

Teddy also expressed his pride in UMN students’ academic development and character. Teddy is also proud of one of the student projects that highlights the life values of Jakob Oetama and P.K. Ojong. This work is not only in written form but is also packaged in a book, easy for children to understand.

“When I learned about and heard about the student project, I was pleased because UMN students are not only interested in modern and viral things but also in the inspiring stories of our founders. This is proof that the 5C values (Caring, Credible, Competent, Competitive, and Customer Delight) have been successfully implemented in the UMN curriculum,” Teddy added.

After the Chairman of the Foundation’s speech, the entire UMN academic community also participated in scattering flowers on Jakob Oetama’s grave. They were followed by the UMN Rectorate, Deans and Heads of Study Programs from each faculty, representatives from each division, and student representatives.

Flower scattering session attended by UMN officials. (Doc. UMN)

The story and life values of Jakob Oetama

Also present at this event were Dr. Ninok Leksono, who previously served as Rector of UMN, and St. Sularto as Advisor to the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation. Ninok and Sularto shared the story and life lessons of Jakob Oetama, which they hoped could be implemented and become life values for the UMN academic community. 

Ninok delivered his message during a pilgrimage to Jakob Oetama’s grave. (Doc. UMN)

“UMN continues to grow in terms of accreditation and international reputation. I am sure Mr. Jakob would be pleased to see UMN’s proud development. However, we must not be complacent or, as James Collins said, ‘onward never retreat’. I have heard about various innovations that UMN plans to develop and prepare for the future of its students,” Ninok said.

Ninok believes UMN is capable and well-positioned for future innovations, but the key is teamwork and collaboration. Seeing UMN begin to appear in the community and amid the hustle and bustle of social media, UMN will likely attract the best people to solve problems and have an impact on society. Ninok hopes that UMN can have a real influence.

“One of Mr. Jakob’s main values in the workplace is that character is important, in line with cognitive and communication skills. Generosity will yield good results; hard work must be pursued, but we must also never forget to treat people humanely. UMN will always be in my heart, and I hope it will continue to be an enlightening and caring institution,” Ninok concluded.

Sularto shares stories from Jakob Oetama’s life (Doc. UMN)

Sularto also shared the life values he learned while working with Jakob Oetama. According to Sularto, Jakob was a humble and simple person. This was evident in Jakob’s attitude at work and in social settings, and it had become part of his identity.

“In addition, while working with Mr. Jakob, he was loyal to the institution. Not only in what he said, but also through his actions and his honest heart. Mr. Jakob always tried to get close to his employees and treated them humanely. There was never a gap between him and all Kompas Gramedia employees,” said Sularto.

Sularto recounted how Jakob Oetama treated people humanely while working together. Jakob treated people with dignity and did not constantly criticize them, because criticism is endless. The most important thing is to see our own mistakes and understand that all humans have strengths and weaknesses. These values will become guidelines and a way of life for the entire Multimedia Nusantara Foundation.

By Rachel Tiffany | UMN News Service

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara.