Reasons For Rima Melati's Award For Lifetime Achievement FFI 2022

Rima Melati (Photo: IG @festivalfilmid)

The legendary actress of the late Rima Melati was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award or life service for her contribution to the world of cinema at the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) Image Award Night in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 22.

Rima, whose real name is Marjolien Tambajong, started her career as an actress in 1961 through the film Kasih Tak Sampai. Rima won the Citra Cup in 1973 as Best Female Lead in the film Intan Berduri with Benjamin Sueb, who also received an award as Best Male Lead in the same film.

The actress who was born on August 22, 1939, has great enthusiasm to advance the Indonesian film industry. In the narrative read by Najwa Shihab, Rima continued working until her last breath on June 23, 2022.

"The Indonesian Film Festival proudly presented the Lifetime Achievement award to Marjolien Tambajong or Rima Melati for her dedication so far in raising the Indonesian film industry," said Najwa.

This Lifetime Achievement Cup was given by one of Rima's best friends, Widyawati. He admitted that he was very touched and happy because Rima finally received a special award at FFI.

"I am very happy because Rima Melati received this award which she should have received 10 years ago," said Widyawati.

On the Citra Cup Award Night, his two children Ai and Keke Tumbuan received the Lifetime Achivement trophy. Ai said that the mother is a film fighter who works wholeheartedly.

"So much contribution from the deceased to the Indonesian film industry. She is a female fighter for the Indonesian film industry. Thank you infinite to FFI, the jury. I am really very touched, this is a story that can be continued for our children and grandchildren," said Ai.

The wife of Frans Tumbuan founded the Indonesian Film Artist Welfare Foundation (KARIFINA), which aims to improve the welfare of pioneering actresses in 1940-1950s.

In 1989, Rima was diagnosed with 3B stage breast cancer. However, Rima continued to work after undergoing surgery. Rima died at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital, Jakarta due to decubitus disease at the age of 84 on June 23, 2023.