Asri Welas Chokes Up Remembering Guruh Soekarnoputra: "He Was Like a Father to Me"

Mourning has enveloped Indonesia's arts and culture scene. Guruh Soekarnoputra, the youngest son of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, died at RS MRCCC Siloam Hospitals Semanggi in Jakarta on Saturday (26/9/2026). His body is scheduled to be buried at TPU Karet Bivak, Central Jakarta, right beside the grave of his mother, Fatmawati.

Guruh's passing has left a deep wound for those who once grew up under the wing of GSP Production (Gencar Semarak Perkasa), the arts group he founded. One of them is actress and presenter Asri Welas. The woman known simply as Asri said she had long regarded Guruh as a father figure.

"I lost my father when I was 17, so Mas Guruh was like my father here," Asri said, her voice choking up, when met in South Jakarta on Saturday (26/9/2026). She recalled how she spent her childhood training in arts and culture at Guruh's residence on Jalan Sriwijaya 26, South Jakarta, from the age of 11.

In his final days, Asri and senior actress Christine Hakim made a video call to encourage Guruh to recover quickly and return to his work. That hope was not fulfilled. Guruh took his last breath on Saturday morning, leaving a long legacy in Indonesia's performing arts scene.

For readers in Indonesia, Guruh's passing is not merely news of mourning for the extended Soekarno family. It is a moment of reflection on how arts institutions built on a personal basis—such as GSP Production—become a crucible for many artists. GSP Production has been a home for young people who want to delve into traditional dance, music, and theater. The sustainability of such institutions often depends on the central figure who drives them. Without a figure like Guruh, the challenge of regeneration becomes real.

On the other hand, the public is also highlighting the human aspect of the mentor-student relationship. Asri Welas's story shows how emotional bonds in the arts world often go beyond professional ties. "Mas Guruh was like my father," she said. That statement underscores that behind the glitter of the stage, there are deep-rooted personal bonds.

"I lost my father when I was 17, so Mas Guruh was like my father here." — Asri Welas

Guruh's passing also raises questions about the direction of traditional arts preservation in Indonesia. For decades, he was known as a choreographer and composer who persistently blended traditional elements with a modern touch. His work has inspired many young choreographers. But without him, who will carry on that vision?

The government and creative industry players need to think about concrete steps to maintain the arts ecosystem he pioneered. Incentives for studios and arts groups, access to performance spaces, and regeneration programs could be a way to keep Guruh's legacy from fading. For investors and professionals in the creative sector, this is also a signal that cultural assets have long-term value that needs to be managed seriously.

Guruh's body will be buried at TPU Karet Bivak, united with Fatmawati's grave. The site is not merely a final resting place, but a symbol of a child's closeness to his mother—and a marker that Soekarno's legacy lives on in various forms, including through the art Guruh pursued throughout his life.

Going forward, will GSP Production and similar arts institutions be able to stand firm without their central figure? Or will this moment instead become a turning point for building a more collective and sustainable system? The public awaits the answer.