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Reminiscing about the ‘Panji Koming’ comic strip
Little did people know that these characters were actually inspired by Dwi Koen’s friends.
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A visitor checks out the first issue of 'Panji Koming' comic strip at the Komedi Priyayi Panji Koming exhibition at Bentara Budaya, Central Jakarta, on Nov. 22. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
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ecognized as one of Indonesia's legendary comic strips, Panji Koming marked its debut in Kompas in 1979 and continued to grace the pages of the print media until the creator, Dwi Koendoro “Dwi Koen” Brotoatmojo, passed away in August.
Set during the Majapahit era around 500 years ago, the series caught readers’ attention through its subtle jokes and criticism of the authorities.
The comic strip depicts the interactions of its characters, namely the naïve Panji Koming; the witty Pailul; the patient Ni Woro Ciblon, who’s also Panji Koming’s love interest; and the bold Ni Dyah Gembili, who’s also Pailul’s girlfriend.
Little did people know that these characters were actually inspired by Dwi Koen’s friends at Kompas Gramedia’s production house, PT Gramedia Film.
Read also: ‘Panji Koming’ creator Dwi Koendoro passes away at 78
One of his friends at the company, Wiediantoro, is said have inspired Dwi Koen in creating the Panji Koming character.
Dwi Koen revealed that bit of information to his friends during a trip to Yogyakarta after the comic strip got published.
