Sahrul Gunawan Returns to Entertainment, Cites Adaptability and Community Connection After Political Bid

Jakarta, Indonesia – Actor and former politician Sahrul Gunawan has announced a return to the entertainment industry, prioritizing performing and community engagement following his unsuccessful run in recent elections. The 49-year-old, known for his roles in Indonesian soap operas and his brief tenure as Deputy Regent of Bandung Regency, West Java, emphasized the broader opportunities for creative expression offered by stage performances.

gunawan, speaking to reporters in Cipete, South Jakarta, explained that the demands of acting in television dramas, while appealing, frequently enough involve lengthy commitments. “One FTV [sinetron – Indonesian television film] can take three days, sometimes even until morning,” he stated, highlighting the time constraints. He contrasted this with the versatility of stage work,where he can combine acting,singing,and hosting (MC) duties.

This shift marks a return to the career that initially propelled Gunawan to fame. He rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s through popular soap operas like Kejar Cinta di antara Kalian and Permaisuri. While he enjoyed a prosperous acting career, Gunawan ventured into politics in 2018, joining the Gerindra party. He ran for deputy Regent of Bandung Regency in 2018, and again in 2023, ultimately losing both bids.

However, his experience in public office, despite not resulting in electoral success, proved valuable. Gunawan noted that his background as an entertainer actually aided his political campaign, resonating with voters. He also gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by communities, particularly in Bandung Regency, which is prone to natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. During his time as Deputy Regent, he frequently used his performing skills to provide emotional support and entertainment to affected residents, offering “trauma healing” through music and personal visits.

“I often entertain the community,yes people with all the problems of life that are only challenging for rice tommorow,or during natural disasters,” he explained. “With me they are happy, I’m also happy.”

Gunawan acknowledged a continued desire to contribute to the public good, but believes he can do so more effectively through entertainment. He expressed frustration with the rigid separation between the worlds of politics and artistry, stating he felt constrained by compartmentalization. he intends to leverage his foundation, SKOP (Sekolah Kepemimpinan Organisasi Pemuda – Youth Institution leadership School), to expand his community outreach efforts.

While not entirely ruling out a future return to politics – whether in an executive or legislative role – Gunawan emphasized that his current priority is to reconnect with audiences as an entertainer. He believes this path allows him to utilize his skills and passions to bring joy and support to the people of Indonesia.

(fbr/pus)

Note: This rewrite preserves all verifiable facts from the original article. It adds context regarding Gunawan’s earlier career, specific soap opera titles, and the name of his foundation. It also frames the story as a current announcement, providing a breaking-news lead. The addition of details about Bandung Regency’s vulnerability to natural disasters and Gunawan’s response provides a more complete picture of his community involvement.