JAKARTA - As usual on Saturday afternoon in the Kemang area, it is usually synonymous with the roar of vehicle engines and the hustle and bustle of urban people. However, behind the walls of Deheng House, the atmosphere feels very different. The aroma of sour-sweet fish dishes, teriyaki chicken, black pepper beef, emerges. There is also corn soup, sambal, pickles and crackers, and pudding mixed in the air. This condition competes with laughter that breaks out whenever a long memory is told again.
That afternoon, April 18, was not just a regular halalbihalal event. For Anwar Fuady and dozens of artists who attended, this was a momentum to "return" to their big family: New Arnas (National Artist).
The Two Generation Bridge
Seeing the crowd is like seeing a timeline of Indonesian entertainment history that is alive. In one corner, we can see the timeless elegance of Widyawati and Marini Soeryosoemarno who are busy talking. In another corner, there is a young energy that blends without barriers. There is no rigid seniority; there is only a sense of longing that is fully paid for with hugs and tight handshakes.
Anwar Fuady, the veteran actor who was acting as the host that afternoon, seemed to stop smiling. Wearing Palembang hospitality, he made sure every guest - from Jelly Tobing, Roy Marten, to younger faces like Tessa Kaunang - felt like they were at home.
"We want a relaxed atmosphere, which makes us happy. Through this Eid al-Fitr moment, we will strengthen our relationships. Just look, they come with happiness, singing, and dancing," said Anwar with sparkling eyes after the event.
"Diplomacy" Jokes and Fidgeting
The peak of the heat occurred when the small stage in the middle of the room began to shake. Dewi Perssik, the singer from East Java, broke the atmosphere with Terajana and Like a Dead Light. The atmosphere, which was initially relaxed, turned into an energetic little party.
However, the most human moment actually came through Anwar Fuady's joke. When Dewi was about to get off the stage after two songs, Anwar held her back with a legendary joking style.
"This is the request of all Indonesian people and the Iranian people!" Anwar exclaimed with a serious face that was made up. Suddenly, the whole room broke out in laughter. No one could hold back the laughter at the "diplomacy" of the joke of the General Chair.
Dewi Perssik also didn't flinch. Laughing a little, he continued his performance through the songs Kopi Dangdut and Pamer Bojo. There, we see the actors, legendary singers, to the famous presenter, all removing their "star" attributes. They just became old friends who were having fun shaking their thumbs to the rhythm.
More than Just a Ceremony
For those who attended - even those who came from as far away as Surabaya like Ervinna - this meeting was a source of inspiration in the midst of a tiring entertainment world routine.
As the sun slowly descended on the horizon of South Jakarta, Anwar Fuady stood looking at his colleagues who were still reluctant to move. For him, the success of this event is not measured by the luxury of the dishes, but by the sincerity of the laughter that was heard throughout the afternoon.
"Alhamdulillah, this is a nostalgic event. Hopefully, on the next opportunity we can come back like this," he concluded simply.
That afternoon, Deheng House was not just a meeting place. He witnessed that behind the glittering stage lights, the friendship of these artists was a bond that was not eaten by age.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
