Exclusive, Tio Pakusadewo Building Legacy to Develop New Talents

JAKARTA - Tio Pakusadewo is one of the senior actors who has had experience in the Indonesian film industry. He has tasted the salt of industrial life until he is 60 years old.

He also wants to continue to contribute to the world of film. This year, his acting can be watched in four titles: Anwar The Untold Story, Kajiman: Iblis Terkejam Penagih Janji, Suzzanna: Malam Jumat Kliwon, and Lantai 4.

"The spirit still wants to give good things because bad examples have been set. I just want to give my best at the last 'turn'," said Tio Pakusadewo to VOI.id, Wednesday, August 16 in South Jakarta.

Lantai 4 film is the latest film that was released on August 17 yesterday. He plays one of the main characters named Jonathan. "His role is to be a person of Chinese descent, his name is Jonathan, whose wife has died, and his children's family are divided (residence) on one floor (apartment) which, according to the story, the floor is scary," said Tio Pakusadewo.

Tio said he was happy to be back playing with Yuki Kato. Having met the actress when she was a kid, Tio saw Yuki grow into a much better actress.

"She's like my own child, right, because I met Yuki when she was still in elementary school. Yes, she's smart, smart kids play well and work together well," said Tio Pakusadewo.

Seeing horror films that have started to be loved after the pandemic was over, Tio Pakusadewo hopes that Lantai 4 can be accepted by Indonesian film lovers. He also dedicated this film to director FX Purnomo, who had already passed away to the Creator before his work was shown to the public.

"Yes, hopefully (Lantai 4) can get a place in the hearts of the people, yes hopefully," said Tio Pakusadewo.

"That's what's concerning on Lantai 4, right? The director has passed away. I hope we can give him peace of mind," he concluded.

Talking about roles, Tio admits that he has entered a period where he does not sort roles. He has his own principles regarding acting in any medium.

"Alhamdulillah, we are still given age, blessings, and will. It's not my time to choose a role. That phase is over. As long as I think I can give my best, I follow," he said.

The man who was born on September 2 told that he had acted in more than 20 films, but his feelings of dissatisfaction dominated his thoughts. On the other hand, he said there were several films that made him comfortable.

“Like Rayya (Cahaya di Atas Cahaya) directed by Viva Westi. I was there to be trusted to get the Best Actor version of the Maya Cup. Then the Surat Dari Praha, I got the Best Actor from the Usmar Ismail Awards and Pantja-Sila: Cita - Cita & Realita, made by the late Tino Saroengallo. It also received film appreciation,” explained Tio Pakusadewo.

Of all his roles, he realizes that the role of President is one of the characters he has played the most. He also experienced an acting transition from 1987 to the present.

"It seems that everything has been done, right from the criminals to the president. And for the president's character, I became 3 more presidents. Soeharto in the film Habibie & Ainun, Soekarno in the film Pantja-Sila: Cita - Cita & Realita, and the film that was filmed in China, as the president of the middle of nowhere in Angga's (Dwimas Sasongko) film. I've played Gadjah Mada in several films that haven't been shown, if I become a villain I often do it," he said.

“Now it is assisted by advances in technology, and social media, so the promotion can be wider. Happy," said Tio.

Dedication and Legacy to Acting

Departing from this experience, Tio Pakusadewo started to create something new. He created an acting community with his fellow actors who would later be able to develop and present new seeds in the world of acting.

"Every knowledge that we have must be put into practice, who knows if it can provide benefits, can carry it out well. Indeed, actors who have the quality need to know the basics of film, that is what is used to produce various actors,” said the winner of eight Citra Cup nominations.

Apart from experience, Tio Pakusadewo also uses the acting method of Konstantin Stanislavski, who is a well-known theater practitioner. Not alone, he also stars with Indonesian actors to develop this community, including Teuku Rifnu Wikana, Arswendy Beningswara, Ence Bagus, and many others.

"Alhamdulillah, there are still friends who can help. One of them. Everything that could be about to get people to type my name in Google with new material. The past doesn't need to be erased but it doesn't need to be regretted either," said Tio Pakusadewo.

The development of this community is also slowly starting to show. Tio said that their acting community is working with several neighboring countries to make a musical-like show. He will step in as the screenwriter for the musical.

"Yes, hopefully, this school can run well. Because in the end, the children who study here will make a show like a musical. From now on, we have cooperated with Malaysia. The script was written by Malaysians and me. And try to be able to perform in Singapore in Malaysia and Jakarta when the students are ready," he said.

As a senior actor, he feels that actor regeneration is very necessary. Of course, it's not just a matter of appearance, but how can they know the basics of acting. He understands that technology makes it easier for new talent to emerge, but an actor's abilities must also be honed.

"These seeds won't grow if we don't water them properly. If there are new flowers, we can put them in the window. So we do guidance first, the results show that the flowers have bloomed, then we put them in the window, right? So those who see them are delicious," said the father of three children.

"It's okay in that era, but having lots of followers is easy, but maintaining existing followers also requires skill. If you don't hone your skills, that's just like that. But you have to grow," he said.

His dedication to acting also grew when he mentioned that there were scholarships for members of the community. This is used to expand the network while increasing opportunities for members to have careers.

"In the advanced class, if there are actors who have special strengths, we will support scholarships, such as opening the door, so that the pathway can be put to good use by returning to the perpetrators," said Tio Pakusadewo.