Rano Karno Attends Theatre Performance at TIM, Reminiscing About Teenage Stage Days
The Deputy Governor of Jakarta, Rano Karno, attended a theatre performance by the Yonif Art School titled ‘Putri Lopian, Bunga Belantara Dairi’. Rano admitted that the performance evoked nostalgia for his teenage years performing on the stages of Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM).
“When I watched your performance, I was reminded of when I was 13 years old and performing on this stage. I began in film in the 1970s, when I was approximately 11 years old,” Rano said during his speech at TIM, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (30/8/2026).
He recounted how, as a teenager, he was encouraged by his father to practice theatre. Rano recalled joining a theatre group at TIM.
“I had already appeared in several films, but then my father asked me to train in theatre. I was part of the Kakyana theatre group here. If you know my friend, Yesi Gusman, we were in the same studio together,” he reminisced.
Rano expressed his desire to organise a theatre production by the Yonif Art School to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jakarta. He suggested that the performers depict events from the year 1740.
“Prepare a theatre production like this for next year, themed around Jakarta’s 500th anniversary. You can research the history; there was a significant event in 1740. That was the first genocide involving our Chinese brothers, a war with the Dutch aided by locals. That was the origin of what is known as the Angke River—a river that ran red with blood,” he said.
Rano pledged that the provincial government would fund such a production, stating his wish to see the theatre arts in Jakarta continue to flourish.
“Rest assured, Ibu Dewi and the Jakarta Provincial Government will assist with the funding. Once again, congratulations to you all. Hopefully, the world of theatre and drama in Jakarta will continue to grow,” he added.
Rano noted that activities at TIM are currently revitalising, as evidenced by the many artists and citizens practising various arts throughout the complex.
“This is the atmosphere we need. That is why I recently discussed how a certain abandoned building in the front area will be utilised,” he said.
He further announced that the Jakarta Provincial Government intends to build a cinema at TIM. Rano viewed this as an effort by the provincial government to support Jakarta’s film ecosystem.
“We must have a cinema here. This will serve as part of Jakarta’s film ecosystem, similar to what is being done by the central government. There used to be a cinema here, but it wasn’t rebuilt during the revitalisation. Therefore, we must have a cinema,” Rano concluded.