TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi mentioned the award of Japan Foundation Award 2022 to Mohamad Goenawan, is a concrete recognition of the global constancy of one of the founders of Tempo Magazine in the defense of freedom of expression. This statement was made by Heri during his meeting with Goenawan in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, October 21, 2022.

Heri felt that the Japan Foundation made the right choice in awarding prizes to Goenawan, who is also a humanist, poet and painter. Goenawan’s intellectual writings and speeches are considered consistent in promoting democratic values, freedom of expression and inspire humanity.

“Goenawan’s criticality and honesty in every writing are staunch guardians of Indonesia’s historical journey,” Heri said when meeting Goenawan, with the socio-cultural information coordinator at the Indonesian Embassy. in Tokyo, Meinarti Fauzie.

Along with writing, Heri said Goenawan Mohamad’s contribution in artwork is also a mirror with this nation at every step. “The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo always supports and promotes inspiring Indonesian citizens,” Heri said.

The Japan Foundation Award has been awarded by the Government of Japan since 1973. The award is given to individuals and organizations that contribute to promoting friendship between Japan and other countries through academic, artistic and cultural.

Award Japan Foundation Prize 2022 The Japan Foundation’s 50th anniversary was also attended by Prince Akishino and his wife and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. Besides Goenawan Mohamad, the recipient of the Japan Foundation Prize is Robert Lepage, a Canadian actor, playwright, theater and film director. The prize was also awarded to the Korea-Japan Association, a South Korean institution.

The second Indonesian citizen to receive the Japan Foundation Award

Goenawan became the second Indonesian to receive the Japan Foundation Award. Previously, writer Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana received a similar appreciation in 1992. For institutions in Indonesia, the award was received by Japan Alumni Association or Persada in 2019.

Goenawan expressed his gratitude for the appreciation given by Heri. “Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for taking the time to meet me. Warm conversation over breakfast. I did not expect that he also likes painting and print art,” he said. he said, accompanied by Tempo Media CEO Arif Zulkifli.

Goenawan previously received the Louis M. Lyons Award for Conscience and Integrity in Journalism from Harvard University’s Nieman Fellowship in 1997. Then the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalism (CPJ) in 1998 and the International Editor of the Year Award from the World Press Review in 1999.

In the field of arts and culture, Goenawan is also known as a writer and playwright. He founded the Komunitas Salihara Arts Center in, a community entirely dedicated to promoting arts and culture and freedom of thought.

Lily: Goenawan Mohamad Receives Japan Foundation Award With Canadian Director

Follow the latest Tempo news on Google News, click here