Coming To The Funeral Home, Fadli Zon Remembers Ray Sahetapy's Services At Indonesian Film

Fadli Zon/PHOTO: Virgilery-VOI

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his condolences for the passing of legendary actor Ray Sahetapy. He remembers Ray as an artist and culturalist who has made a big contribution to the world of Indonesian acting.

"First, of course as the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to express my condolences to the family of the late Bang Rey Sahetapy, an artist, a culturalist, who I think is complete, who I have known for a long time. I know him in the early 90s," said Fadli Zon at Sentosa Funeral Home, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, April 2.

Fadli Zon tells the story of his closeness to Ray Sahetapy, especially when there was Oncor Studio, which only stood in the early 90s.

"At that time there was still Oncor Studio, recently standing up. So I often come almost every week to his house. And also at the same time in Russia in 1996," he continued.

Their togetherness in Russia is also a valuable moment, where Ray also witnessed Fadli Zon speaking at Moscow State University.

"And Bang Rey also watched me also speak at Moscow State University. So I often walked at that time in Russia with him," he said.

Fadli Zon also highlighted Ray's important role in establishing Oncor Studio, which is a forum for many talented actors and artists.

"And especially at Oncor, he initiated an important theater community at that time. And gave birth, I think there were also many actors, artists, culturalists," he continued.

As a seasoned actor, Ray Sahetapy is known through various iconic films, including Girl and Cup of Bitter Coffee.

"And of course we feel that we have lost the figure of Rey Sahetapy, an actor who I think is very tough, and his acting is extraordinary, his achievements are also extraordinary if we look at his first films, if I'm not mistaken, that's the girl. In the early 1980s, the Cup of Bitter Coffee, and more," said Fadli Zon.

Closing his statement, Fadli Zon reiterated that Ray Sahetapy's departure left deep sorrow for the world of Indonesian art.

"I also know this Rey personally, and yes of course we feel lost. Hopefully his deeds of worship will be accepted by God Almighty SWT," he concluded.