JAKARTA - In the eyes of senior journalist and photographer Arbain Rambey, Wimar Witoelar is an iconic figure. He is like the figure of Gus Dur alias Abdurahman Wahid, Akbar Tanjung and the Gepeng comedian. Shot from any side one can recognize who he is.

As a seasoned photographer, Arbain has had many experiences with the late Wimar, who died on May 19. "I think the figure of the late Wimar Witoelar was iconic. It means that he wants to be photographed from any angle people will recognize him as a Wimar Witoelar, ”said Arbain, who is now the Chief Editor of Mata Magazine, to VOI, who contacted him on May 19.

When asked what side is the most iconic of a Wimar Witoelar. According to the man who has worked as a sports journalist for Kompas Daily, this is in his distinctive frizzy hair. And one more physical form of his face that is easy to recognize. "What's unique is his frizzy hair and facial features," said the younger siblings of Erna Witoelar and Rachmat Witoelar.

Wimar Wiroelar dan Emha Ainun Najib. (Dok: Arbain Rambey)
Wimar Wiroelar and Emha Ainun Najib. (Doc: Arbain Rambey)

Iconic figures such as the late Wimar, said Arbain, who is also a Photography Lecturer at Multimedia Nusantara University, Serpong, South Tangerang, also includes Gus Dur, Akbar Tanjung and the Gepeng comedian. "His character is very strong. When we take a picture he can be seen from any side, people will easily recognize him. For the late Wimar Witoelar, the character was in his unique hair and face, ”he explained.

As a journalist crisscrossing the sports world, Arbain is indeed quite close to Wimar Witoelar. Especially when he joined PB PELTI (Indonesian Tennis Lawn Association), the parent organization of tennis court throughout Indonesia when he was brought by Sarwono Kusumaatmadja from 1994-1997.

At that time Wimar Witoelar served as Chairman of the National Team Agency. His work as a journalist has made him close to members of the press who are engaged in sports. And because of Wimar, the sport of tennis has received a sizable exposure in the print and electronic media. It is not surprising that the popularity of tennis has increased even though it has not yet been able to compete with badminton. Whether Wimar acknowledged or not, one of Wimar's roles was there in socializing the activities of tennis athletes in various events they participated in, both at the national and international levels.

Memories with Wimar Witoelar

For Arbain Rambey as a photographer as well as a journalist, there was the most memorable moment when he got the opportunity to do a special interview and photo shoot for the late Wimar Witoelar in 2008. And the photos he took will become unforgettable memories.

"At that time I received a special interview and photo shoot by the late Wimar Witoelar for the Kompas Daily. Yes, as I said earlier, a figure like Wimar Witoelar is very iconic, especially for photographing portraits or portrait photography, "he said.

Wimar Wiroelar. (Dok: Arbain Rambey)
Wimar Wiroelar. (Doc: Arbain Rambey)

Citing the Wikipedia page, Photography or portraiture is the photography of a character or group of people who stores the expressions, personality and feelings of the subject. As with other types of portraits, the focus of the photography is usually the face of the person, although all parts of the body and the background or context can also be included.

During the interaction with the deceased, there are many lessons to be learned according to Arbain Rambey. "He's just a plate person. He doesn't have the ambition to be rich. His ambition is to defend the truth as he believes, "he said.

When criticizing people, still said Arbain, Wimar was consistent and did not hesitate at all. "If you have criticized the person who is just the plate. And he consistently criticizes people, "he said.

Wimar Wiroelar. (Dok: Arbain Rambey)
Wimar Wiroelar. (Doc: Arbain Rambey)

In living his life, Wimar is the person who tries very hard not to trouble other people. "He also tried to do something to be good and proud," he said.

And as a resource, when Wimar was the spokesman for President Gus Dur, according to Arbai Rambe, he was one of the most easily contacted narcotics. Whenever he is called as long as he does not have a very high interest in phone calls. "It's easy for him to call," said Arbain Rambey about the late Wimar Witoelar. Goodbye.


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