Ray Sahetapy, Acclaimed Indonesian Actor Known for The Raid and Marvel Films, Dies at 68
Main Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia’s artistic and film communities are in mourning following the death of veteran actor Ray Sahetapy. The news was announced on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by his son Surya Sahetapy, through a post on his personal Instagram account.
Surya, a well-known advocate for disability rights, shared a poignant photo with his father and wrote, "Farewell, Father! @raysahetapy. We always cherish the memories of our time with you.”
Ray’s daughter-in-law, actress Merdianti Octavia, also confirmed the passing of Farence Raymond Sahetapy—popularly known as Ray Sahetapy—who died at 21:04 local time. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” she wrote—a phrase in Arabic commonly recited by Muslims upon someone's passing, meaning “Indeed, we belong to God, and to Him we shall return.”
"Our father and grandfather, Farence Raymond Sahetapy bin Pieter Sahetapy, has passed away. Please pray for him and forgive any of his mistakes.”
Ray Sahetapy, who was 67, was one of Indonesia’s most respected and recognizable actors. Known for portraying complex male characters, his acting career spanned over four decades. He gained national acclaim for leading roles in award-nominated dramas such as Ponirah Terpidana (1983), Tatkala Mimpi Berakhir (1987), and Jangan Bilang Siapa-Siapa (1990).
He received seven nominations at the prestigious Indonesian Film Festival, six of which were for Best Actor—holding the record for most nominations in that category without a win.
Sahetapy spent his early childhood at the Warga Indonesia Orphanage in Surabaya. Inspired by the stage from a young age, he pursued acting at the Jakarta Institute of Arts in 1977, studying alongside notable figures such as Deddy Mizwar and Didik Nini Thowok.
He married pop singer and actress Dewi Yull on June 16, 1981. The couple had four children: Giscka Putri Agustina Sahetapy (1982–2010), Rama Putra Sahetapy (1992), Surya Sahetapy (1994), and Muhammad Raya Sahetapy (2000). After divorcing in 2004, Ray later married catering entrepreneur Sri Respatini Kusumastuti.
Ray’s film Noesa Penida (1988) earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 1989 Indonesian Film Festival. Other acclaimed nominations included Secangkir Kopi Pahit, Kerikil-Kerikil Tajam, and Opera Jakarta.
During the dormancy of Indonesia’s film industry in the 1990s and early 2000s, Ray remained active by establishing a theater studio in the suburbs and mentoring a new generation of actors through community theater initiatives.
He made a strong return to the big screen in 2006 with the drama Dunia Mereka and was elected a leader during the Indonesian Actors Association (PARFI) congress that same year.
Ray Sahetapy also gained international recognition through his role as a ruthless crime boss in the action film The Raid (2011), which became a global hit and introduced Indonesian martial arts cinema to the world. He later made a brief appearance in a Marvel Studios production, further cementing his cross-border appeal.
Public Figures Pay Tribute to Ray Sahetapy
Prominent political and cultural figures in Indonesia have expressed their condolences over the death of veteran actor Ray Sahetapy.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who also serves as a Member of Parliament, remembered the late actor with heartfelt words on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, @fadlizon. Fadli shared memories of their time together in Jakarta and abroad.
"Farewell, Bang Ray Sahetapy. May you be granted a noble ending. So many memories — from Oncor Studio in Tebet to Moscow in 1996, and many more. Al-Fatihah," Fadli wrote, quoting a prayer commonly recited for the deceased.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad also shared a brief message on his X account, @bang_dasco:
"RIP Bung Ray Sahetapy. Farewell."
In addition, Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development and Deputy Head of Indonesia’s National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Isyana Bagoes Oka offered her condolences in a comment on Surya Sahetapy’s Instagram post.
"My deepest condolences," she wrote via her personal account @isyanabagoesoka.
The expressions of sympathy reflect Ray Sahetapy’s far-reaching impact beyond film and culture, touching lives across Indonesia’s political and public spheres.