KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia's entertainment world is in mourning today following the passing of iconic singer Titiek Puspa.

The legendary artist, a longtime figure and icon of state-owned radio station Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), died at Medistra Hospital in Jakarta on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Fellow singer Inul Daratista shared the sorrowful news on her Instagram account, @inul.d, posting a throwback photo with Titiek Puspa.

In her caption, Inul confirmed Titiek Puspa's passing, writing, "Innallillahi wainna ilahi rojiun (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return). Farewell, Eyang (grandmother)," accompanied by crying emojis, as quoted by rri.co.id.

Before her passing, Titiek Puspa's health had shown some improvement after intensive care treatment. According to her manager, Mia, she underwent surgery following a ruptured blood vessel on March 26, 2025.

Earlier, as reported by rri.co.id Bandarlampung, music observer Stanley Tulung had shared news of the 87-year-old singer's critical condition on social media. Family and fans had continuously offered support and prayers for her recovery.

Titiek Puspa's illustrious career began to soar after she won the Central Java Entertainment Category of the Bintang Radio competition in 1954, which RRI held.

Before her death, she had been hospitalized for several weeks, during which she underwent head surgery to address bleeding.

Titiek Puspa: A Profile of a Multifaceted Entertainment Icon

Born Sudarwati on November 1, 1937, in Tanjung, South Kalimantan, the multitalented Titiek Puspa later changed her name to Kadarwati before settling on Sumarti, as reported by rri.co.id.

"Titiek" was her lifelong nickname, while "Puspa" was adopted from her father's name, meaning flower.

Throughout her career, Titiek Puspa established herself as a consummate professional, excelling in various entertainment industry fields.

Her diverse talents encompassed acting, singing, advertising, choreography, and theater. Her journey in Indonesian entertainment began with an interest in Javanese singing.

Without her parents' knowledge, Titiek Puspa participated in a music festival and ultimately emerged as the winner of the RRI's Central Java Entertainment Category of the Bintang Radio competition in 1954.

This victory proved to be a pivotal moment, propelling her career forward. Her win led to an introduction to Sjaiful Bachri, the leader of the Jakarta Symphony Orchestra, where she became a permanent vocalist.

Titiek Puspa honed her craft under the guidance of songwriter Iskandar and her husband, Zainal Ardi, a RRI Jakarta broadcaster.

Her singing career steadily gained momentum, even though she initially did not write many of her own songs.

In 1963, she released her album "Si Hitam dan Pita," featuring 12 self-penned tracks.

Her exceptional talent earned her the prestigious 10th BASF Award in 1994 for her lifelong dedication to Indonesian music.

Beyond singing, Titiek Puspa also graced Indonesian television screens in films such as "Minah Gadis Dusun" (1966), "Bawang Putih" (1974), and "Inem Pelayan Sexy" (1976).

She also appeared in televised theatrical performances and numerous advertisements. Throughout her life, Titiek Puspa dedicated herself to the arts.

Her remarkable contributions to Indonesian entertainment were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Indonesian Choice Awards 2018: Lifetime Achievement and the 2018 Anugerah Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia: Lifetime Dedication. ***