Indonesiantalk.com — Edge Notes by SS Budi Raharjo: On the Launch of A Moment of Recognition: A Memoir by Peter F. Gontha
It was more than a book launch—it was a soulful reunion.
Friends, close colleagues, and long-time companions of Peter F. Gontha gathered in a plant-filled rooftop café, Cabana, on the 9th floor of 25 Hours Hotel The Oddbird, nestled in the heart of South Jakarta’s SCBD.
The setting was holistic—a green oasis of calm and connection. And in that gentle, outdoor ambiance, A Moment of Recognition: A Memoir by Peter F. Gontha was officially introduced to the world.
This 350-page memoir offers more than a glimpse into the diplomatic journey of Indonesia’s former Ambassador to Poland. It is a wide-open window into the inner world of a man who weaves bridges between nations with threads of empathy, art, and a profound love for people.
Peter F. Gontha: A Man of Many Worlds
Entrepreneur, diplomat, jazz enthusiast, media pioneer—Peter F. Gontha has lived many lives in one. And the launch of his memoir felt like a celebration of all those dimensions.
Renowned conductor and founder of the Twilite Orchestra, Addie MS, opened the evening with a heartfelt tribute. “I would like to crown Peter as Indonesia’s Ambassador of Music to the World,” he said, sparking applause that rang with sincerity, not ceremony.
Addie recalled how Peter not only helped found several major corporations—such as Chandra Asri, RCTI, and SCTV—but also brought Indonesian music to global stages, including the prestigious Java Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz events in the world. His leadership extended to Indovision (now MNC Vision), First Media, and currently, as CEO of Transvision.
Addie also fondly remembered being brought to perform with a Polish orchestra—a gesture that turned musical performance into cultural diplomacy.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan: A Brotherhood of Decades
Then came Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan—soldier, statesman, and Peter’s close friend of over 50 years.
He recounted their early days, back when he held the rank of Major and President Soeharto was still in office. Even then, Peter, already a prominent figure, extended generosity without hesitation.
“He knew soldiers had small salaries and he gladly shared his blessings,” said Luhut, evoking laughter and warm nostalgia. Behind Peter’s polished image lies a humble heart, ever ready to give.
Chairul Tanjung: A Gift of Guidance
Chairul Tanjung, one of Indonesia’s most successful tycoons, spoke of his early days as a small business owner. He reminisced about receiving his very first mobile phone from Peter—“the cost of a car at the time,” he said with a grin.
“I also learned everything I know about television from Peter.” To CT, Peter was not only a friend but a mentor in media and broadcasting.
Dwiki Dharmawan: The Cultural Weaver
For musician Dwiki Dharmawan, Peter is a cultural weaver. He marveled at how Peter’s journey—from working in restaurants, cruise ships, even as a cab driver in New York—did not dim his passion for music. “Uncle Peter’s hobby is music,” said Dwiki, “but he brought Indonesian music to the world—and the world of music to Indonesia.”
Like a weaver threading fibers into fabric, Peter patiently stitched together diplomacy and harmony, transforming cultural nuances into a symphony of understanding.
Ricard Bagun: The Carousel of Friendship
Veteran journalist Ricard Bagun likened his relationship with Peter to a carousel. “Sometimes we’re close, sometimes distant,” he confessed. “But my admiration never wavered.” Like the carousel itself, Peter remains a gravitational center—sometimes at a distance, but always magnetic.
A Gathering of Generations
The event drew together baby boomers and Generation X luminaries—figures who shaped, and continue to shape, Indonesia’s cultural and political landscape.
Among the attendees were Aulia Rahman, Adiguna Taher, Miranda Gultom, and Rocky Gerung. Also present were Deputy Ministers Veronica Tan (Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection) and Silmy Karim (Immigration and Corrections), as well as national figures like Surya Paloh and Erna Witoelar with her husband Rachmat Witoelar, not to mention editors-in-chief from major news outlets.
More Than a Memoir: A Moment of Humanity
Peter F. Gontha was not merely launching a book. He was, in essence, presenting a living narrative—a life story that defies any single verb or title. The launch became a quiet ritual, a moment of recognition not only for the author but for every soul he has touched along his path.
A Moment of Recognition is not simply a diplomatic memoir. It is a mirror of warmth and meaning, reflecting how one man dared to live in full color—loving music, loving his country, and most importantly, loving people.
And in doing so, Peter F. Gontha reminds us that diplomacy is not just policy—it is the poetry of human connection.
source; https://matranews.id/a-moment-of-recognition-a-memoir-peter-f-gontha/
