"I Had No Money When Making Si Doel," Says Rano Karno During South Jakarta RT Visit

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno recalled his early days producing the “Si Doel Anak Sekolahan” series during a visit to RT 11/RW 07 in Gandaria Utara, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, which won the Jakarta provincial community security system (siskamling) award.

He made the remarks after observing residents’ cooperation in building a technology-based community security system through voluntary efforts.

“When I first made ‘Si Doel’, I had no money. Even if I had some, it wouldn’t have been enough for six episodes. My actors were expensive; only Mandra was cheap,” he joked during his speech at the location on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

“So when I first met Benyamin, I didn’t talk about fees. I said, ‘Be, help me out’,” Rano said.

He linked this moment to RT 11/RW 07 head Imam Basori, known as Ibas, who rallied residents and community leaders to build a local security system.

“I believe when Mas Imam first met community leaders here, he didn’t ask for donations but said, ‘Please help me’,” he added.

According to him, the success of building a village security system is not just about funding, but about residents’ sense of ownership and collective will.

“If there are donations but no spirit here, nothing will happen,” he said.

“Hopefully this can be replicated. Are you ready to provide training?” Rano added.

It is worth noting that RT 11/RW 7 in Gandaria Utara, South Jakarta, has developed innovations in security.

Local RT head Imam Basori, known as Ibas, introduced the “Si Jaga Warga” system, featuring six nighttime loudspeakers, panic buttons, QR patrols, and CCTV accessible to residents via mobile phones.

Previously, Ibas had installed four digital gate access systems with GPS in the area.