Irfan Hakim Turns Out to Have Been Given a Mandate from Titiek Puspa, Entrusting Indonesian Children

Kapanlagi.com - Irfan Hakim was seen at the funeral home to pay his last respects to Titiek Puspa. The 49-year-old presenter reminisced about a very memorable moment when the late artist had contacted him a while ago.

"Suddenly there was wind, there was rain, a phone call, we talked. What has been on my mind ever since is when she suddenly talked about Indonesian children. She said, 'Irfan, I entrust you with the Indonesian children, find the best for them, she said, 'from each population,'" Irfan revealed at the funeral home in the Pancoran area, South Jakarta, Thursday (10/4/2025).

It turns out that this conversation was not just conveyed once by Titiek to Irfan, but three times in different situations. Irfan felt that the message was very serious and meaningful, especially since the late artist conveyed it with great enthusiasm.

"You create a platform, create works, for example, those who can act, dance. No, create works together. You must have a platform. We talked about that for more than half an hour. And it wasn’t just once, it was three times," explained Irfan.

1. Surprised When Called

The moment of that conversation is still vividly etched in Irfan's memory because it happened at an unexpected time. He even shared that experience with his family directly.

"First of all, I was on my way. Secondly, it was when I was having dinner with my wife and kids. Hah, Eyang Titiek Puspa called. I put it on loudspeaker with the kids. Yeah, who is it? Who is it? I was curious. I told them, yeah, so what the musical was like and who was involved," he said.

According to Irfan, Titiek's attention to the arts and Indonesian children is very deep and sincere. Because of that, he feels very honored to be entrusted with continuing that spirit.

"And that attention to Indonesian children suddenly entrusted to me, maybe because I have made musicals a few times. Eyang Titiek is very attentive to those she knows through her works. Suddenly, she entrusted it to me," Irfan said.

2. Always Forgetting Names

While reciting a prayer in front of Titiek Puspa's remains, Irfan expressed his hope to fulfill that trust. He admitted to being very touched to see how great the late one's love was for the arts and the children of the nation.

"So earlier when I prayed, I said hopefully that trust can soon be realized. Just how much he loved the world of art, just how much he loved the children of Indonesia. Extraordinary," said Irfan.

Irfan also recalled the beginning of his meeting with Titiek Puspa which happened early in his career as an MC. He felt very proud to be recognized by a legendary figure who had been involved in the entertainment world long before him.

"It was quite a while ago, but the first time we met was back in the early 2000s, at the beginning of my career. I was the MC, and then he was the judge," he said.

Funny memories were also recalled by Irfan when Titiek Puspa often forgot his name every time they met. That moment actually made the closeness between them feel warmer and more intimate.

"Every time I met her, she kept forgetting my name. Who's the name? Who's the name? So every time we met, who's the name? It's Irfan, you know it already. Every time we met, I asked, who's the name? Irfan, Irfan. So I kept remembering because she forgot," Irfan revealed with a smile.

3. Giving Trust

Irfan Hakim © instagram.com/irfanhakim75

For Irfan, the most touching thing about Titiek Puspa is when she gives trust without a clear reason. He feels he must be responsible for that message and strives to realize it.

"So it really sticks in my mind. The most touching thing is that she entrusted it. So, thinking along this long path, wow, this trust really needs to be realized to suddenly find out why she entrusted it to me," said Irfan.

Irfan cannot yet imagine the concrete form of the project that will be created to continue that trust. However, he is aware that the challenge is great because it concerns the future of the younger generation from all corners of Indonesia.

"I haven't imagined anything yet. Because it requires a lot to find the younger generation in each province. Yes, she loves the arts that much, and she loves her children that much," concluded Irfan.

(kpl/far/phi)