Indonesians in Focus: Yusril Ihza Mahendra

By Barrie | September 12th, 2007 | No Comments

Yusril Ihza Mahendra was not terribly well known outside academic circles prior to becoming a speech writer for former president Soeharto and, later, the leader of the Crescent Star Party. Now he is embarking on an acting career.

Thai director Nirattisai Kaljareuk has handpicked Yusril, who was dismissed from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Cabinet last May, to play Admiral Zheng He in a television drama of the same title.

“I was not chosen for the main part because of KKN (the Indonesian acronym for collusion, corruption and nepotism) In Thailand, how could they have known I was a minister?” Yusril said.

“There were a number of people interested in the role of Cheng Ho, but the director wanted me.”

Born in Bangka-Belitung on Feb. 5, 1956, Yusril was dismissed last May for allegedly helping former president Soeharto’s son, Hutommo Mandala Putra — popularly known as Tommy Soeharto — recoup ill-gotten wealth from a foreign bank overseas.

The 26-episode Admiral Zheng He. will be shot in three countries — Thailand, China and Indonesia — over the next few months.
During the 15th century, Cheng Ho spent 28 years sailing the South China Sea, the India Ocean, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, visiting various countries, including Indonesia

In the beginning, Yusril was only involved in the project as an actor, but he soon found he had way too much free time on his hands after being fired from the Cabinet, and also offered his services as a scriptwriter.

Yusril, who was Justice and Human Rights Minister in former president Abdurrahman Wahid’s administration, said he felt lucky he was no longer a Cabinet member.

“If I were still in the government, it would be impossible for me to act because it is so time-consuming,” Yusril said.

Yusril is not new to acting. As a teenager he often took part in school productions went on to refine his skills at university.

The Thai director and assistant director praised Yusril for his solid performances, while Yusril said he was happy working with them and the Thai actors.

“Thai film stars are very professional. If I was working with inexperienced actors, it would be much harder for me,” he said.

The role has required Yusril to master some complicated martial arts moves, particularly in the scene in which he fights a Sri Lankan king. This is not a problem for Yusril, who learned kung fu in a Chinese temple when he was young. In fact, from 1975 to 1980 he even taught kung fu at several schools.

“I had to learn about martial arts again, so I could remember the movements. But even at this age, you can be as nimble as before. Once or twice I didn’t want to use a real sword. I was afraid because the movement was too fast,” he said.

The US$3 million film is produced by Katana Ltd, the largest production house in Thailand. It often cooperates with Hollywood movie makers and was involved in the productions of Rambo 5 and Spiderman 3. To shoot Admiral Zeng He, they are using much of the same equipment they used to make Rambo 5.

The TV series, which according to Yusril carries messages of
peace and diversity, will be screened in six countries — Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Malaysia — in early 2008. In Indonesia, it will be screened on RCTI, Global TV and TPI.

During the shoot, Yusril is always accompanied by his 23-year-old Japanese wife Rika Talentino Kato, who is proud of her husband’s acting work.

“I fully support him. His acting is OK — not so bad,” said Rika, smiling.

Asked whether she liked Yusril better as a politician or an actor, she said: “They are two different things”.

The woman, who married Yusril a year a go, makes no secret of her desire to have a baby as soon as possible. “I am not putting it off, it just hasn’t happened for me yet.”

Asked if she was interested in being a “TV star” like her husband, Rika laughed: “That’s impossible. I am shy, I can’t act. I think it’s only for him”.

Aal