John Tobing, 'Darah Juang', and the Legacy of Resistance
The world of Indonesian activism mourns the loss of Johnsony Maharsak Lumban Tobing—better known as John Tobing—the creator of the legendary song ‘Darah Juang’, who passed away on Wednesday evening, 25th February 2026, at approximately 8:45 PM at the Academic Hospital of Gadjah Mada University. The deceased is being laid to rest at the RS Bethesda Yogyakarta funeral home.
His close friend, Yudah Prakoso, remembers John as a figure who combined courage and humility.
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“During the critical times of 1998, John not only brought the spirit of resistance but also his guitar. From the strumming of its strings, ‘Darah Juang’ was born, a song that strengthened thousands of students to fight against injustice,” said Yudah, on Thursday, 26th February 2026.
‘Darah Juang’ originated from the corridors of student dormitories and street demonstrations. Its lyrics became the collective voice of resistance against oppression. In every action, the song was sung together—becoming a prayer as well as a pledge of struggle. To this day, ‘Darah Juang’ continues to echo in various protests, marking that the spirit of reform has never truly faded.
The deceased’s youngest son, Gopas Kibar Syang Proudy, describes his father as a persistent and humble person. “At home, he was just like any other father. But I only truly understood the great meaning of his struggle when I saw so many people come, sing, and commemorate his works,” said Gopas.
He added that his father always instilled the values of courage, honesty, and siding with the common people. “Father taught us not to be afraid to defend what is right, whatever the risks,” he said.
Condolences also came from fellow activists. Baharuddin Kamba, an anti-corruption activist from Sleman, woke up residents for the pre-dawn meal by playing ‘Darah Juang’ through loudspeakers on Thursday morning.
“This is my form of respect. Even though John Tobing’s body is gone, his spirit to fight for justice must continue to live on,” he said.
Kamba admitted that he visited the Academic Hospital of UGM on Wednesday evening to express his condolences in person to the family. For him, John Tobing is not just a songwriter, but a symbol of moral courage.
The passing of John Tobing closes an important chapter in the history of Indonesian civil resistance. However, ‘Darah Juang’ will continue to be sung—a reminder that the struggle to uphold justice is never truly over.
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