The Late John Tobing: A 'Fighter' in the Eyes of His Son: Never Giving Up
The creator of the song ‘Darah Juang’, Johnsony Maharsak Lumban Tobing, also known as John Tobing, has passed away. According to his youngest son, Gopas Kibar Syang Proudy (18), the late John was a man who never gave up.
“I always considered my father my idol. I only realised this because, at home, he wasn’t particularly outgoing; he was just like any other father,” said Gopas when met at the Bethesda funeral home in Yogyakarta, on Thursday (26/2/2026).
“And I was amazed to see all the friends who came, and how his songs resonated with them. Even when my father was in the hospital, and even at home, I would sing the songs he used to sing, the songs that we both loved,” he continued.
Gopas reminisced that his father loved to tell stories. One of John’s most memorable statements was how much he wanted to recover and be as he was before.
“What made me sad was that, towards the end, he said he wanted to be free. He wanted to be free, he asked when he would recover, when he could be like he used to be. That’s what made me sad,” said Gopas.
On the other hand, Gopas also admired his father’s great spirit.
“His spirit was immense. I’ve also read articles about my father, and it’s clear that his spirit never faded when it came to thinking about the nation,” he said.
“He was very enthusiastic, even in the ICU, I told him that Gopas didn’t need to encourage him anymore, because Gopas knew that he never wanted to give up,” he added.
John Tobing may be gone, but his spirit will live on through his work. His song ‘Darah Juang’ will always resonate and be the soundtrack to every struggle.
Previously, it was reported that John passed away at the age of 59 years and 3 months on Wednesday (25/2). His health had been deteriorating, and he had been in the hospital since November 2025. Since then, John had been in and out of the hospital.
The body of Johnsony Maharsak Lumban Tobing, also known as John Tobing, was laid to rest at the Bethesda Funeral Home and will be buried at the Madurejo Cemetery, Prambanan, Sleman, on Saturday (28/2).
(dil/alg)