Pong Harjatmo and the House of Representatives

Pong Harjatmo (68) is a senior movie actor who is well known in the years 1970-1980, whereby he often played the role as a high school sports teacher.

I have not heard about him for more than a decade, and today I was surprised when Tempointeraktif (below) reported about the protest he made against the members of the House of Representatives by climbing the roof of the House building. 

I hope that what Pong did today would make members of the House aware that people are sick and tired about their performances many of whom are very lazy to attend meetings, love to sleep during meetings, involve in crimes, etc.

Actor Attempts Youthful Anti-Government Protest
Friday, 30 July, 2010 | 21:51 WIB 
 
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: A mid-level Indonesian actor who is already past his era had shot up back to fame in a far different stage where he gained his fame was, after he threw himself into the domestic political limelight in a lively fashion that has been considered offensive by some but has waken an even larger support from the public.

Pong Harjatmo, 68, who was famous during the 70's through several silver screen motion pictures successfully scaled up today (30/7) the roof top of the 100-meter-tall parliament building, once occupied illegally by youthful students during the 1998 protest that toppled down Soeharto, to write three words in red paint; "Honest, Fair, and Strict.

In a huge disappointment over the nation's political condition and frustration over the unfruitful attempts by the media, including his bid to spread subtle messages through his film roles, to control the government, Pong said "This is one of my act to be heard."

The Javanese actor who has sparked support from his old fans as well as younger activists through various media said "All these times the government and the people's representatives had failed to solve any problem. From Century (bail out) to gas explosions."

Some lawmakers offended by the act made response today but mostly chose to remain silent.

Born in Solo where the mausoleum of the Soeharto family located, Pong entered the sports teacher school run by the airforce and later become a serviceman and teacher.

He starred several feature films that have been some of his top achievements between 1969 and 1971 and continue his showbiz carrer in TV soaps until now.

Young director Joko Anwar wrote in his twitter account today "We Love You Om (Indonesian adaptation from dutch term for uncle) Pong Harjatmo!!". Another support on twitter read "Pongharjatmo at old age with a risk of slipping off the house's roof, succeeded in representing the people who are stiffened from hearing the victims of gas explosion".

HAYATI MAULANA NUR | ARYANI KRISTANTI | PDAT | FWH (Various Sources)