Halmahera Vocalist Iwan Zen Dies At The Age Of 56

Iwan Zen (Instagram @iwanzen)

JAKARTA - The country's music scene is again shrouded in grief. Senior musician and radio announcer, Mochammad Ridhwan Lefty Zen or familiarly called Iwan Zen, died at the age of 56.

The man, who was well known as the vocalist of Halmahera in the 1990s, breathed his last on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

This sad news was first widely circulated on social media after guitarist and composer, Tohpati, uploaded an expression of condolences through his personal Instagram account.

Tohpati not only conveyed the news, but also reminisced about their time together in music.

Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun. Goodbye my friend, Iwan Zen. May Iwan be at peace with God," wrote Tohpati, quoted Friday, November 21.

"It's nice to have made music together in the band's Halmahera in 1996," he continued.

Tohpati's upload was immediately flooded with condolences from other musicians showing how memorable Iwan Zen was in their eyes.

Barry Likumahuwa also expressed his sense of loss, even remembering Halmahera's work, which was his inspiration.

"Direct flavors, yes, mas (Tohpati) and mas Indro (Hardjodikoro). The song Halmahera 'Khayalanku' my coolikan materials used to study bass first," said Barry.

Not to be missed, Andien also expressed his condolences. "My deepest condolences, mas," he said.

Gigi Guitarist, Dewa Budjana, also sent a short meaningful greeting, "My deepest condolences," yes.

Iwan Zen is indeed known as the vocalist of the Halmahera band, a group that had colored the country's pop music scene in the 1990s.

Apart from Halmahera, Iwan is also known as a great singer and has performed the theme song for television series such as the popular "Impian Cinta".