5 Prominent Figures Honored with the 2024 Achmad Bakrie Award

Jakarta, VIVA – The Achmad Bakrie Award (PAB) was held again this year and was presented to five inspirational figures from various fields, including intellectuals, writers, researchers, healthcare, and a special award for young scientists.

The Chairperson of the 2024 Achmad Bakrie XX Award Organizing Committee, Aninditha Anestya Bakrie or short name Ditha, stated that this award is an initiative by the Bakrie Family to appreciate Indonesians who have made significant achievements and produced inspirational or beneficial works for Indonesia and the world.

The event was supported by the Bakrie Group through Bakrie Untuk Negeri, in collaboration with Bakrie University, the Freedom Institute, and the VIVA Group.

The award is held annually in August, coinciding with Indonesia's Independence Day.

Ditha revealed that since it was first held in 2003, the Achmad Bakrie Award has been presented to 86 recipients, consisting of 82 individuals and 4 institutions or groups. With this year's recipients, the total number of awardees now stands at 91.

She also highlighted that the recipients of the Achmad Bakrie Award are selected by a competent jury with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

“For this year, we are revealing the profiles of the jury members so that the public can be aware that the recipients are chosen by a very competent and credible jury,” Ditha said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 15).

She continued, stating that the award recipients will also receive a new Achmad Bakrie Award trophy, specially designed this year by artist and art influencer, Nabil Muhdor, also known as Bill Mohdor.

The trophy symbolizes the Trimatra Bakrie, which represents Indonesianness, Benefit, and Togetherness. Then, the jury is chaired by the Rector of Bakrie University, Prof. Ir. Sofia W. Alisjahbana.

The jury members include Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono (Rector of UGM 2017-2022 and Chairman of the Indonesian Rectors Forum 2021-2022), Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko (Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency/BRIN, who is also a recipient of the 2008 Achmad Bakrie Award),

Additionally, Dr. Ninik Rahayu (Chairperson of the Indonesian Press Council 2022–2025 and Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan 2006-2009 and 2010-2014), Yose Rizal Damuri (Executive Director of CSIS), Luthfi Assyaukanie (Freedom Institute), and Nong Darol Mahmada (Freedom Institute).

This year, the award categories were reclassified into five fields: social thought, arts and culture, science and technology, healthcare, and a special award.

The special award category will remain a permanent feature for future awards.

After a rigorous selection process and careful consideration of various aspects, it was finally decided that the 2024 Achmad Bakrie XX Award will be presented to the following five inspirational figures:

Social Thought: Jusuf Wanandi, S.H.

A cross-generational intellectual whose works have significantly influenced the tradition of social thought in Indonesia, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance, and international relations.

Arts and Culture: Literature: D. Zawawi Imron

A poet from Madura whose poems often capture the simple landscapes of nature and subtle images of rural life. The metaphors in his works reveal unexpected facets and characteristics of humanity.

Science and Technology: Afriyanti Sumboja, B.Eng., Ph.D.

A researcher actively representing Indonesia on the global stage in fundamental and advanced research in Material Engineering, particularly in the development of next-generation batteries with greater energy storage performance.

A virologist and public health expert from Aceh, with contributions to research on the epidemiology of Arboviruses (dengue and chikungunya viruses) and public health investigations, as well as equity and vaccine acceptance in Indonesia.

A 31-year-old young scientist, recognized for his work in developing nano materials as catalysts for sustainable energy.