Jakarta Bunda Iffet, or Iffet Veceha Sidharta, was born on August 12, 1937 in Jakarta, and became one of the iconic figures in the Indonesian music world. She is not only the mother of Bimbim, the drummer of the legendary band Slank, but is also considered the mother of all the band members and their fans known as Slankers. With a strong family background, her marriage to Sidharta Soemarno, the eldest son of the Governor of DKI Jakarta, gave Bunda Iffet four children, including Bimbim.
Bunda Iffet’s journey with Slank began when the band faced major challenges, especially when they were trapped in drug addiction in the mid-1990s. In this difficult situation, Bunda Iffet took a bold step by becoming the band’s manager, and decided to quarantine the Slank personnel at their headquarters in Potlot, South Jakarta. This step was taken to save the future of the band that had become a part of her life and many people.
“I don’t want to see my children destroyed,” said Bunda Iffet, emphasizing how important her role was in the lives of the musicians. With her firmness and affection, she managed to bring Slank out of the darkness and back on the right track.
When Slank was at its lowest point, Bunda Iffet acted as a solid pillar. She implemented a strict quarantine for two years, during which the band members’ access to money, cellphones, and other items was limited. This was intended to minimize temptation and keep them focused on recovering from addiction. With a disciplined approach, she managed to guide them towards revival.
During the quarantine period, Bunda Iffet not only acted as a manager, but also as a loving mother. She was always there to listen to the band members’ complaints, provide moral support, and keep their spirits up. “We fought together, and Bunda was the reason we were able to come back,” said Bimbim, recalling those difficult times.
Slank’s success in rising back from drug addiction cannot be separated from Bunda Iffet’s dedication and firmness. She managed to prove that with love and discipline, all challenges can be overcome.
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