Raden Ayu Srimulat
0 4 min 7 mths

Raden Ayu Srimulat life is a captivating journey via theatre, film, and music. Born on May 7, 1905, and dying on December 1, 1968, she shaped the late 1950s and 1960s entertainment sector. Let’s explore this amazing artist’s incredible journey.

Raden Ayu Srimulat Early Life and Education: A Bright Start

Raden Ayu Srimulat was born to Bekonang, Mojolaban, Sukoharjo, Central Java wedono R.M Aryo Rumpoko Tjitrosoma and R. Ayu Sedah. Her childhood began on May 7, 1905, in Botokan, Klaten. Unfortunately, she lost her biological mother at six. Raden Mas Sunarjo, her father’s elder brother and Klaten’s renowned assistant resident commissioner, took care of her.

Bambang Sujarwanto’s Facebook post discusses her schooling. Her education began at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School (HIS) in Klaseman, Gatak, Sukoharjo. Her older brother founded this school. In her teens, she returned to her father’s house in Bekonang, Sukoharjo, which changed her life. Her stepmother decided to cut her education, saying she didn’t need more study as a noblewoman.

However, her adolescence was fruitful. Srimulat avidly learned from the wedono’s home employees in the wealthy setting. By twelve, she could sing, dance, and even make batik. Srimulat understood her father and domestic staff’s creative lessons faster than her siblings.

Raden Ayu Srimulat Entering the Arts: A Rising Star

The famous puppeteer Ki Tjermosugondo hired Raden Ayu Srimulat, starting her creative journey. By chance, she joined Ki Retsotruno’s Ketoprak Candra Ndedari troupe in Alun-alun Utara within a year. The Ketoprak Mardi Utomo group in Magelang and Rido Carito performed at night markets and other places, launching R.A. Srimulat’s career.

Srimulat’s music was recorded by Burung Kenari, Columbia, and His Master’s. Her melodic voice brought “Kopi Susu,” “Padi Bunting,” “Janger Bali,” and others to life. Only those with gramophones could enjoy her records back then. Cultural analyst Arswendo Atmowiloto called Srimulat a pioneering performer who inspired current artists. “She performed in diverse dance styles in remote villages and bustling cities.”

Going to Film: Silver Screen Calls

Srimulat’s creativity expanded into film. She played significant roles in recognized films. Her films include “Sapu Tangan” (1949), “Bintang Surabaja” (1951), “Putri Sala” (1953), “Sebatang Kara” (1954), and “Radja Karet dari Singapura” (1956).

Srimulat’s romantic relationship with Solo Orkes Keroncong Bunga Mawar musician Kho Tjien Tiong was touching. at 1947, they performed together at Purwodadi, Grobogan, by chance. Their hearts matched despite their age gap. Teguh, a 21-year-old bachelor, and Srimulat, 39, were smitten. R.A. Srimulat married 24-year-old Teguh Slamet Rahardjo (Kho Djien Tiong) on August 8, 1950.

Artistic Troupe Formation: Comedy and Music Legacy

After her marriage, Raden Ayu Srimulat founded Gema Malam Srimulat, a mobile art troupe. This company combined humor and Javanese traditional and keroncong music. Kusdiarti, Suhartati, Ribut Rawit, Maleha, Rumiyati, and Srimulat were its members. Teguh played guitar and violin. After becoming Srimulat Review, the group became Aneka Ria Srimulat in 1957. This change inspired many Indonesian comic and creative organizations.

An Inspirational Life: A Legacy

A lady with tremendous skill and tireless perseverance in the arts, Raden Ayu Srimulat life is an inspiration. Her artistry and heartbreaking love story are still revered in Indonesian art history. Srimulat’s legacy inspires generations of artists, demonstrating the strength of passion and devotion to artistic brilliance.