A series of new monologues tells the story of Gombloh, an Indonesian musical icon.

Those who grew up in Indonesia in the 1980s would likely be familiar with some of the era’s most iconic songs, such as “Lestari Alamku” (Sustainable Nature, 1982), “Sekar Mayang” (1984), “Apel” (Dating, 1987), as well as the thin, long-haired and thickly mustachioed man who sang them with his throaty voice while belting the tunes on his guitar. 

Gombloh (1948-1988) is a legendary figure in Indonesia’s music industry. The singer and songwriter, whose given name was Soedjarwoto, lived a short, yet memorable life (he died at 39 years of age). His songs, which are still on heavy rotation, express his ideals and patriotism. 

In 2005, approximately 17 years after his passing, the Association of Indonesian Artists, Music Arrangers and Songwriters (PAPPRI) awarded Gombloh with the Nugraha Bhakti Musik Indonesia for his dedication to the country’s music. 

On April 27-28, Titimangsa, a non-profit organization in performing arts, presented the singer’s life story in a monologue, “Panggil Aku Gombloh” (Call Me Gombloh) in Gedung Kesenian, Central Jakarta (GKJ). 

“Many of us recognize Gombloh’s works, but perhaps not his life story,” Pradetya Novitri, Titimangsa’s project manager and coproducer of the monologue, said during an interview at GKJ on April 27. “He’s such an iconic character. In his own way, Gombloh fought hard for his idealism and nationalism.” 

Wanggi

Popular

State-sanctioned intolerance

Why EV makers choose Vietnam, not nickel-rich Indonesia

Jakarta library reopens to packed rooms, long queues