Former PWI Chairman Margiono Passes Away, Atal: PWI Loses A Role Model

JAKARTA – Sad news emerged from the family of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). The former chairman of the Central PWI, Margiono, has died. The chairman of the Central PWI Advisory Board breathed his last on Tuesday, February 1 at 09.45, at the Modular Pertamina Central Hospital (RSPP), Jakarta.

This senior journalist died after several days of battling COVID-19. His passing brings deep sorrow to the PWI family, who will celebrate National Press Day on February 9 in Kendari.

“This is news that really shocked me. A few days ago, the deceased had promised to come to the HPN. We want to go back to how it used to be,” said PWI Central Chairperson Atal S. Depari, when contacted by VOI.

However, a few days ago, Atal heard that the late Margiono was sick and had to be hospitalized and isolated.

"Actually, we really wanted to visit him, but because the health protocol didn't allow it, we could only send greetings to his family and pray for his recovery," said Atal.

Margiono's own figure for Atal was an extraordinary person, either as a friend or a leader when he was at PWI. "He is a very patient person. He doesn't want to be involved in a lot of conflict. But on the one hand, he can also be very firm if there is a conflict in PWI," said Atal.

“When we visit the area, especially during Friday prayers, he always asks to be an Imam. This shows his leadership in the field of religion which is also strong,” added Atal.

As a journalist, Atal considered the deceased as a journalist who was critical but still polite. "When he criticizes, he never puts other people down. His writing is always wise,” said Atal.

Margiono is a senior journalist who has had a career since the New Order era. He once featured a cover of President Suharto dressed as a king in a king card in D&R magazine. This cover made a scene at that time. This bold action made the magazine lose its SIUPP.

Margiono, who was elected general chairman at the PWI Congress in 2008 and served for two terms, is known as a special leader for Atal.

Yudha Prananda, one of the deceased's sister-in-laws also felt very lost over the death of her brother-in-law, who throughout her life was fondly called "Mas MG".

"We feel very lost. For us, Mas MG is a leader who is our role model. A humble and generous person. A person who is patient in taking a stance and a firm leader," said Yudha when contacted by VOI.

Yudha also hopes that all of Mas MG's mistakes during his life will be forgiven. "Thank you, for the attention of all relatives and friends. We cannot say more, please forgive the mistakes of the deceased during his life and pray that he will be accepted by Allah," said Yudha.

The late Margiono himself, currently still serves as President Director of Rakyat Merdeka and CEO of Rakyat Merdeka Group. "All of us at PWI feel that we have lost a role model and we are a big family of PWI. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. Margiono, may Allah accept his deeds of worship," concluded Atal.