Edo Kondologit, known as Edo, is one of Indonesia’s “singing treasures” from the east, famous for songs about peace and unity that evoke the spirit of nationalism. He is pretty vocal when it comes to the right of the people in Papua, his hometown. His background as a jazz and Christian gospel singer contributes to his singing skill and favorite theme. Here’s Edo’s profile.
Personal life
Edo, whose real name is Ehud Eduard Kondologit, was born in Sorong, West Papua, on August 5, 1967. A son to Onesimus Kondologit and Narnalina Ajolo, Edo is known as a musician, actor, and politician who always promotes peace and nationalism through his music. He was married to Niar Septia Cahyana (Keko) and had a daughter, Itamar Lemuela Barbalina.
Still existing in Indonesian music scene, he’s also an active member of a renowned political party – the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). In the 2008 election, Edo is getting ready to become a legislative candidate.
Music career
Edo’s music career starts in 1980 specialized in the jazz genre. He also performs Christian gospel songs, songs about peace and nationalism. For Edo, music is his way to express his love for the nation and his hometown – Papua-and promotes peace and nationalism.
Nowadays, people know Edo as a promotor of peace. Many of Edo’s songs tell about the easternmost region in Indonesia. He often inserts regional languages in his Indonesian-language songs as well. Edo has released two studio albums during his musical career: Yang Menangis (1998) and Pagi Pertama (2004).
Although Edo hasn’t released any song afterward, he’s still participating in off-air music events and festivals. He took part Tangsel Jazz Festival in 2015, which was held in South City, Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang. Accompanied by an Indonesian ethnic fusion band—Sopana Sokya – Edo wowed the audience.
Later in 2018, Edo Kondologit performed in a music concert, The Symphony of Friendship, along with Gita Gutawa and Andmesh Kamaleng. They collaborate with two singers from the Maori tribe (the native tribe of New Zealand)—Maisey Rika and Tama Waipara to sing music from Eastern Indonesia and Maori. The music concert closed the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and New Zealand.
A year later, Edo took part in an art and dance performance event titled Merajut Nusantara 2019 held in the Monas area, Jakarta. The event has a noble mission: to show harmony amid ethnic and cultural diversity in Indonesia and remind us that we are still brothers and sisters despite our differences. The MC and other performers wore traditional clothes from various regions in Indonesia.
Movie career
Edo Kondologit isn’t only a singer but also an actor. He has played in several movies and soap operas. Here’s the list.
Movie
- Red Cobex in 2010 as Mr. Albert
- Seputih Cinta Melati in 2014
- Salah Bodi as a doctor in 2014
- Pacarku Anak Koruptor in 2016
- Boven Digoel in 2017 as Markus
Soap operas
- 2011 Keluarga Minus as Edo Karoba for 199 episodes
- 2015 Madun as Edo for 174 episodes
Political career
At first, Edo had no interest in politics, but he realizes that the nation needs a system for a better change. Bringing change in the legislative and the executive will lead the country into sustainable improvement. Since venting frustration through art is not always heard, he tried to change the system by becoming a part of the system.
He admits that there are many times when politics goes against conscience, which he never encountered when he focused on being an artist. However, sometimes we need to compromise a few things to some extent to achieve something more significant. Therefore, Edo joined politics after being invited by Maruarar Sirait—a politician.
Since 2004, Edo has been joining the renowned PDIP political party, and he’s been active in politics afterward. He chose PDIP because he admired Bung Karno—the first president of Indonesia.
He studied politics and public speaking at TMP and was given a chance to be an administrator there. In TMP, Edo and the other cadres learn how to seize power for the needs and interests of the community. He realized that power is not always evil as long as it’s used for a good reason.
As a Papuan, Edo wants to change the people of Papua’s mindset who blame the central government for anything wrong. We can’t put the blame solely on the central government. The community also has the responsibility for solving problems as well. After years of training and dedication, he finally serves his hometown after being elected as the chairperson of DPC of PDIP in Sorong Regency.
That’s the profile of Edo Kondologit, the renowned musician, actor, and politician from Papua who keeps promoting peace for the rest of his life.
