Pathetic Facts

Indonesian musicians died when they were 59

Here are 8 famous musicians from Indonesia died at 59:

P. K. Ojong

P. K. Ojong (July 25, 1920 Bukittinggi-May 31, 1980 Jakarta) a.k.a. Petrus Kanisius Ojong or Auwjong Peng Koen was an Indonesian writer, journalist and teacher.

He was born in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra and spent his early years there before moving to Jakarta in 1938. Ojong began his writing career as a journalist, working for a number of different newspapers and magazines. He became known for his critical and outspoken articles on politics, society and culture in Indonesia.

In addition to his journalism, Ojong was also a prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction. He wrote numerous novels, short stories and essays, many of which dealt with themes of national identity, social justice and human rights.

Ojong was also a passionate advocate for education. He worked as a teacher for many years and was a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives and create a better society. He was involved in a number of educational initiatives and organizations throughout his career.

Throughout his life, Ojong remained committed to the ideals of democracy and freedom of expression. He was a member of several human rights organizations and was a vocal critic of the authoritarian regime of President Suharto. Ojong died in Jakarta on May 31, 1980, leaving behind a legacy as one of Indonesia's most important and influential writers and intellectuals.

His works continue to be studied and celebrated today, with several of his books being reprinted and translated into multiple languages. In addition to his literary and journalistic achievements, Ojong was also a well-respected public figure, known for his intelligence, wit and compassion. He was deeply involved in the cultural and intellectual life of Jakarta, participating in literary events and debates, and mentoring aspiring writers and journalists. His commitment to social justice and human rights has inspired many young Indonesians to pursue careers in journalism, education and activism. Ojong's legacy continues to be felt today, as Indonesia grapples with issues of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.

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Muhammad Yamin

Muhammad Yamin (August 24, 1903 Sawahlunto-October 1, 1962 Jakarta) was an Indonesian writer and politician.

He is recognized as one of Indonesia's national heroes and is often referred to as the "Father of National Education". He played a significant role in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule and served as Indonesia's first Minister of Education and Culture. Yamin was also a noted writer, authoring several books and essays on Indonesian history and politics. His most famous work is the poem "In Memoriam", which was written in honor of the Indonesian military leaders killed during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. Yamin was also known for his commitment to promoting Indonesian language and literature, and he was a key figure in the development of the Indonesian language as a national language of Indonesia. Despite his contributions, Yamin led a tumultuous life and struggled with personal and financial problems throughout his career.

He received his formal education in Dutch-run schools and obtained a degree in law from the Rechts Hogere School in Batavia (now Jakarta). After completing his education, he worked as a journalist for several newspapers and became involved in the Indonesian nationalist movement. He was a member of the Youth Pledge, a group of young Indonesian nationalists who pledged to work toward independence from Dutch colonial rule.

During the Indonesian War of Independence, Yamin served as a diplomat and represented Indonesia in negotiations with British and Dutch officials. He also helped draft the Indonesian Constitution and played a key role in the formation of the Indonesian government.

Yamin's legacy continues to be celebrated in Indonesia, and he is remembered for his contributions to the country's culture, language, and political development. In addition to his political and literary accomplishments, he was also a noted speaker and delivered many speeches on Indonesian culture, history, and language. Today, his name is enshrined on the Indonesian Rupiah banknote.

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Ali Murtopo

Ali Murtopo (September 23, 1924 Blora Regency-May 15, 1984 Jakarta) also known as Ali Moertopo was an Indonesian personality.

He was a prominent figure during the era of President Suharto's New Order government, serving as the head of the State Intelligence Coordinating Agency (BAKIN) from 1966 to 1978. Murtopo was involved in various aspects of government, including the military and diplomacy, and was known for his sharp intellect and strong leadership skills. He was also involved in the founding of Golkar, Indonesia's ruling political party during the New Order era. Despite his accomplishments, Murtopo was also known for his controversial methods, including the use of torture and intimidation against political opponents. His legacy remains a subject of debate among Indonesians to this day.

Murtopo was born in Blora Regency, Central Java as the second of eight children. He spent his childhood living in poverty and dropped out of school in fifth grade to help support his family. During the Indonesian National Revolution, Murtopo joined the guerrilla forces and fought against the Dutch military. After Indonesia gained independence, he continued his military career and rose through the ranks.

In addition to his career in the military and government, Murtopo was also an accomplished writer and wrote several books, including "The Dreams of a Soldier" and "Jas Merah" (The Red Uniform). He was also known for his love of poetry and was a dedicated collector of Javanese literature.

After his retirement from BAKIN, Murtopo became a successful businessman and owned several companies. However, he remained involved in politics and continued to support the New Order government until his death. He died in 1984 at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy that is controversial to this day. While some see him as a brilliant strategist and influential figure in Indonesian history, others view him as a perpetrator of human rights abuses and a symbol of the authoritarian regime of Suharto's New Order government.

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Ahmad Suradji

Ahmad Suradji (January 10, 1949 Medan-July 10, 2008) a.k.a. Nasib Kelewang or Datuk was an Indonesian personality.

Ahmad Suradji was a notorious serial killer who murdered at least 42 women and girls from 1986 to 1997. He was a sorcerer who convinced his victims that he could help them find fortune and cure their illnesses by burying them waist deep in a sugarcane plantation and strangling them with a cord.

After his arrest in 1997, he was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death. He was executed by firing squad in 2008. Ahmad Suradji's notoriety led to a documentary about his crimes, as well as a book and a movie adaptation.

Born in Medan, Indonesia, Ahmad Suradji grew up in a family with a history of mental illness. His father and grandfather were believed to be insane, and his mother was known to have paranormal abilities. As a child, Ahmad was not interested in attending school and instead pursued spiritual practices and became fascinated with black magic.

After completing his studies, he became a turf farmer and a self-proclaimed shaman, who claimed to have the ability to communicate with the dead. Using his supposed powers, Ahmad Suradji managed to gain the trust of his victims, who believed that he could help them bring good fortune and good health.

Suradji operated alone and was extremely meticulous in his planning. He would lure young women to the sugarcane plantation where he buried them up to their waist and strangled them. The remains of his victims were typically found in shallow graves near his home.

Suradji was arrested in 1997 when one of his victims managed to escape and reported him to the police. During his trial, he maintained that he committed the murders as part of a ritual to gain supernatural powers. He was found guilty of 42 murders and received the death penalty.

Despite his heinous crimes, Ahmad Suradji remains a subject of fascination in Indonesia, with some people believing that he possessed supernatural powers.

He died as a result of capital punishment.

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Minarni

Minarni (May 10, 1944 Indonesia-May 14, 2003) was an Indonesian personality.

She was an actress, singer, and presenter who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Minarni often played strong and independent women in her movie roles, and her captivating voice made her one of the country's most popular singers of her time. She was also well-known for her work on television, where she hosted several popular programs.

In addition to her successful entertainment career, Minarni was also a dedicated social activist. She used her platform to advocate for women's and children's rights, as well as education and anti-drug campaigns. Despite her passing in 2003, she remains an influential figure in Indonesian popular culture and continues to inspire many people in the country.

Born in a family of musicians, Minarni's passion for singing and acting was ignited at a young age. She started her career as a singer in various local music groups but soon transitioned to acting. Her breakthrough performance came in the film "Keluarga Uya" which cemented her status as a leading actress in the early years of Indonesian cinema.

In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Minarni was also actively involved in numerous social causes. She campaigned for Indonesian independence from Dutch colonialism and later became an advocate for women's rights, which was a novel concept at the time. She also worked tirelessly to promote education and encourage young women to pursue their dreams.

Despite her immense popularity, Minarni remained humble and down-to-earth throughout her life. She was known for her kindness and generosity towards her fans and colleagues. Her untimely death at the age of 59 due to liver cancer was a great loss to the entertainment industry and the country as a whole. Today, she is remembered as a cultural icon and a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of female entertainers and activists.

Melky Goeslaw

Melky Goeslaw (May 7, 1947 Morotai-December 20, 2006 Jakarta) was an Indonesian singer and songwriter. His children are Melly Goeslaw, Tansa Goeslaw and Ully Goeslaw.

Melky Goeslaw was a renowned musician, who was widely known for his soulful and melodious voice. He began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the band "Black Brothers," which was popular for its unique blend of rock, soul, and funk music. He later went solo and released numerous albums throughout his career.

Apart from being a prolific singer, Melky Goeslaw was also a talented songwriter, and he was behind some of the most successful Indonesian songs of all time. Some of his most popular songs include "Gelora Cinta," "Gosip," and "Kembalikanlah Dia."

Melky's musical legacy was carried on by his daughter, Melly Goeslaw, who has become one of Indonesia's most successful singers and songwriters. Melky passed away on December 20, 2006, in Jakarta, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire many aspiring musicians and fans alike.

Throughout his career, Melky Goeslaw received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the music industry. He was known for his passion for music and his unwavering commitment to producing high-quality work. His music often addressed social and political issues, making him an influential figure in the Indonesian industry. Melky Goeslaw was also known for his philanthropic work and was actively involved in charitable organizations. His tireless efforts to help those in need have inspired many to continue his legacy of giving back. Melky Goeslaw's impact on the Indonesian music industry cannot be ignored, and he will always be remembered as one of the country's greatest musicians.

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Andjar Asmara

Andjar Asmara (February 26, 1902 Alahan Panjang-October 20, 1961 Cipanas) a.k.a. Abisin Abbas was an Indonesian film director, screenwriter, journalist, playwright, writer and critic.

He is considered as one of the pioneers of Indonesian cinema, having directed and produced more than 40 films during his career. Asmara was known for his penchant for social and political commentary in his films, often using them to highlight the issues faced by Indonesian society. He was also a respected writer, having authored several novels and plays, and a prominent journalist who wrote for various newspapers and magazines. Despite facing opposition and censorship from the Dutch colonial authorities and later, the Indonesian government, Asmara remained committed to his craft, using his work as a tool for social change. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Indonesian cinema and literature.

Asmara's career began in the 1920s as a journalist and theater actor in the Dutch East Indies, where he worked for various newspapers and theater companies. In 1940, he established his own film production company, Persari, which became one of the most successful and influential studios in Indonesian cinema. He directed and produced many of Persari's most notable films, including "Tiga Dara" (Three Girls), which is considered a classic of Indonesian cinema and was submitted as Indonesia's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 1956 Academy Awards.

Asmara's work often dealt with issues such as poverty, corruption, and exploitation, and he was a strong advocate for social justice and political freedom. He also ventured into documentary filmmaking, producing several films that documented Indonesian culture and customs. In addition to his film work, Asmara was a prolific writer who authored more than twenty novels and play scripts.

Despite his success and reputation as one of Indonesia's most important cultural figures, Asmara faced frequent censorship and interference from the government. His film "Darah dan Doa" (The Long March) was banned for its portrayal of the Indonesian Communist Party, and he was arrested in 1960 on charges of obscenity related to a novel he had written. He died the following year at the age of 59.

Asmara's legacy in Indonesian cinema and literature continues to be celebrated today. Several of his films have been restored and re-released, and his contribution to Indonesian culture has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the posthumous title "National Hero of Culture" bestowed by the Indonesian government in 2011.

Read more about Andjar Asmara on Wikipedia »

Mohammad Said Hamid Junid

Mohammad Said Hamid Junid (June 17, 1902 Rengat-April 5, 1962 Jambi) a.k.a. Moh Said H.J. or Moh. Said HJ was an Indonesian actor, film director and screenwriter.

Born in Rengat, Riau, Moh Said HJ started his career as a journalist before venturing into the film industry in the 1930s. He wrote and directed his first film, "Alang-Alang" in 1939, which starred notable actor Rd Mochtar. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Moh Said HJ went on to write and direct numerous films, many of them starring popular actors such as Mieke Wijaya and Dhalia.

Despite his success in the film industry, Moh Said HJ was also involved in politics, particularly during the Indonesian National Revolution. He was a member of the Masyumi party and served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of Indonesia. He also served as the chairman of the Jambi branch of the Indonesian Red Cross.

Moh Said HJ passed away on April 5, 1962, in Jambi, Sumatra. He is remembered for his contributions to Indonesian cinema, particularly during its golden age in the 1950s.

Moh Said HJ played an integral role in shaping and developing the Indonesian film industry, earning him the nickname "Father of Indonesian Cinema". He was known for creating films that reflected the social and political climate of Indonesia at the time, tackling issues such as poverty and the struggle for independence. In addition to his work in film and politics, Moh Said HJ was also a prolific writer, penning several novels and short stories that dealt with similar themes. His dedication to Indonesian culture and his contributions to its film industry have left a lasting impact on the country's art and entertainment scene. Today, he is hailed as one of Indonesia's most influential cultural figures, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and filmmakers.