Iskak dies of heart failure

JAKARTA (JP): Comedian Iskak died from heart failure on Friday night at the age of 67, Antara reported.

Iskak started building his career as a comedian in Jakarta in 1958, forming a group with Ateng and Bagyo. Iskak and Ateng later joined forces with Bing Slamet and Edi Sud and formed Kwartet Jaya group.

Ateng and Iskak also created their own group, Iskak and Ateng, and along with Mono and Sampan Hismanto they performed in Ria Jenaka comedy show on TVRI state television from 1982 to 1997.

Ateng told reporters that Iskak looked weak after Idul Fitri.

Iskak was rushed to Pasar Rebo Hospital, East Jakarta, after suffering a heart attack but could not be saved. Iskak died at about 10 p.m. His body was taken to his house in Cimanggis, Bogor, before being flown to Surakarta, Central Java. He is survived by a wife, four children and 10 grandchildren.

Bagyo died in 1993 while Bing Slamet, who was also a noted composer, died in 1974. (sim)