At the graves of BM Diah and Rosihan Anwar, AMKI sows memories of the fighter press

JAKARTA, Controversy news | Tuesday (3/2/2026) afternoon, the Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery (TMPN) felt quieter than usual. Among the rows of graves of national figures, the Indonesian Convergence Media Association (AMKI) bowed its head, scattered flowers and cared for memories.

The pilgrimage was held to commemorate the 40th National Press Day (HPN), as well as remembering two big names in the history of Indonesian journalism: BM Diah and Rosihan Anwar.

The solemn procession was attended by AMKI administrators from various media backgrounds – print, electronic, online and multimedia. Present were the General Chair of AMKI Central Tundra Meliala, Chair of the Supervisory Board, Vice Marshal TNI (Ret.) Dede Rusamsi, Secretary General Dadang Rachmat, General Treasurer Umi Sjarifah, Chair of AMKI DKI Jakarta Heryanto, Chair of AMKI West Java Catur Aziyanto, as well as heads of other divisions and administrators.

Pilgrimages and flower sowing are not just annual rituals. For AMKI, this activity is a space for reflection on the journey of the Indonesian press – a profession that was born from the womb of the struggle for independence and continues to be tested by changing times.

Tundra Meliala mentioned BM Diah and Rosihan Anwar as two great journalists who linked press idealism with national consciousness. Both, said Tundra, show that Indonesian journalism is not built solely by news and editorials, but also by courage and a willingness to take historical risks.

BM Diah, who was born in Kutaraja, Aceh, on April 7 1917, is known as a journalist, diplomat and press entrepreneur. His name was recorded in national history because of his role in saving the original manuscript of the Proclamation of Independence of 17 August 1945.

He also served as Minister of Information during the transition period of national leadership, 1966–1968.

On October 1 1945, BM Diah founded the daily newspaper Merdeka and led it until the end of his life. Through this newspaper, he emphasized his commitment to press freedom, the professionalism of journalists, and the responsibility of information to the public.

“BM Diah is a symbol of the press that originates from struggle and has never been separated from the interests of the nation,” said Tundra.

Meanwhile, Rosihan Anwar — born in West Sumatra on May 10 1922 and died in Jakarta on April 14 2011 — was known as a prolific journalist, writer and poet. He once led the daily Guidelines, one of the most influential newspapers of its time, which was known to be critical and independent amidst political pressure.

Rosihan not only left behind thousands of articles, but also a number of books of essays, literary works and political reflections. He is active in strengthening press organizations, including the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), as well as encouraging increased professionalism of journalists through discussions and training.

History records that BM Diah and Rosihan Anwar were at two different points of view.

Differences in political attitudes – BM Diah who was relatively close to the Soekarno government and Rosihan Anwar who was more critical – sparked tensions that also divided the PWI at the Palembang congress in October 1970.

The feud reflected the harsh national political polarization of that period.

However, for Tundra, what should be inherited are the lessons from the next phase: maturity and reconciliation. In the end, the two figures chose dialogue, placing the interests of the press and the nation above ideological differences. PWI was reunited in 1973.

“Their feud teaches that differences in views are inevitable. But unity, dialogue and national ethics are the foundations for the sustainability of the press,” said Tundra.

Now, BM Diah and Rosihan Anwar are buried in the same complex at TMPN Kalibata as a form of state respect for their services.

More than just a final resting place, the presence of the graves of the two journalists in one complex is a symbol of the journey of the Indonesian press – growing through differences, tested by conflict, and matured by reconciliation. ***