Celebrating Benyamin Sueb

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Isa Indra Permana, commemorates iconic Indonesian actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, writer, director, and producer Benyamin “Bang Ben” Sueb, who championed Jakarta, Indonesia’s Betawi culture as the star of more than 50 movies and composer of over 300 original songs. On this day in 2018, Jakarta inaugurated Benyamin Sueb Park, a cultural center dedicated to upholding the Betawi heritage to which Sueb devoted so much of his life.

Benyamin Sueb was born on March 5th, 1939 in present-day Jakarta. He first entered the music scene in the 1950s as a member of the “Melody Boys,” a band that drew upon a wide variety of international influences. Sueb later relied on more traditional Betawi musical idioms to write hits including “Nonton Bioskop” (“Watching Movies”) and “Hujan Grimis” (“Drizzle”) and helped to revitalize the gabang kromong style through beloved songs like “Ondel-Ondel” (Giant Puppets). 

Sueb’s acting career took off in the early ‘70s, and through the lens of his often playfully comedic films, he is credited with painting a more accurate depiction of Betawi culture. He garnered acclaim for roles in films like “Intan Berduri” (“Thorny Diamond,” 1972) and “Si Doel Anak Modern” (“Doel the Modern Child,” 1976), both of which earned him Best Actor Citra Awards at the Indonesian Film Festival. 

In 1990, Benyamin created Ben’s Radio, Indonesia’s only radio station dedicated to Betawi, which continues to play Sueb’s music to this day. 

Thank you, Benyamin Sueb, for using music and humor to preserve valuable tradition and culture for generations to come!

Guest Artist Q&A with Isa Indra Permana

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Indonesia-based guest artist Isa Indra Permana. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: I’ve known of Benyamin Sueb since I was a little. He is a legendary figure in Indonesian cinema, an actor who is fondly remembered for his multi-talented skill and witty personality.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: It was unexpected! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to create a Doodle for the Google homepage.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: My inspiration came from some of the phenomenal Benyamin sitcoms, such as "Si Doel Anak Sekolahan." Also, his unique Betawi style of dressing and the hit song "Kompor Meleduk," which immediately crosses your mind when someone mentions the name Benyamin Sueb.

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope the Doodle reminds people of his wit and legacy. His art was his medium to express himself. He was and continues to be an inspirational figure.