Kapanlagi.com - The name Riefian Fajarsyah, better known as Ifan Seventeen, is now capturing public attention in an unexpected way. Not because of the hit songs that made him famous, but due to his appointment as the President Director of PT Produksi Film Negara (PFN), a state-owned enterprise focused on the film industry.
The decision to appoint Ifan as the leader of PFN has sparked various reactions, given his background that is more recognized in the music world. However, his experience and involvement in the entertainment industry, including knowledge in the field of filmmaking, form a strong basis for the trust placed in him.
So, what has been Ifan Seventeen's journey until he successfully occupies this strategic position? Here is a complete profile and career journey from the music world to filmmaking, summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Saturday (15/3).
1. Ifan Seventeen: From Music to Strategic Positions at PFN
Ifan Seventeen, a talented figure born in Yogyakarta on March 16, 1983, has an interesting story behind his life journey. He is a twin of Riedhan Fajarsyah and although he was initially raised in Yogyakarta, Ifan spent his teenage years in Jakarta. His early education began at SD Kasih Ananda and SMP Lab School, before eventually continuing to Pontianak.
Since attending SMA Negeri 3 Pontianak, Ifan has shown his love for music by actively participating in various singing competitions. His peak achievement at that time was winning the inter-student vocal festival in 2001, which further solidified his path in the music world.
The year 2006 became a turning point in his career when he joined the band Seventeen after successfully passing the audition to replace the previous vocalist. Together with Seventeen, Ifan created various hit songs that shook the Indonesian music industry and established his name as one of the leading singers.
2. Great Trial: The Sunda Strait Tsunami Tragedy of 2018
At the peak of his success as the vocalist of Seventeen, Ifan had to face a heavy trial on December 22, 2018. The tsunami that struck the Sunda Strait claimed the lives of three of his bandmates and his beloved wife, Dylan Sahara. Tragically, Ifan became the only surviving member of Seventeen from that horrific disaster.
This heartbreaking event became a turning point in Ifan's life, leading him to explore various fields in the entertainment industry. Despite losing loved ones, Ifan's passion for creating did not fade. He continued his music career by launching an enthusiastic solo project.
Not only that, Ifan also bravely stepped into the film industry, showing that he has a wide range of talents and interests in the creative sector. With determination and courage, Ifan continues to strive and create, inspiring many people around him.
3. Ifan Seventeen's Role in the Film Industry
Although better known as a musician, Ifan also has an impressive footprint in the film world. In 2019, he stepped onto the big screen through his role in the film "Sukep: The Movie", which marked his debut as an actor in the Indonesian film industry.
Not only that, Ifan also showcased his abilities behind the scenes as an executive producer in the documentary film "Kemarin" (2020). This film tells the emotional journey of the band Seventeen before and after the tsunami tragedy, and it received positive responses from the audience thanks to its touching and inspirational narrative.
These experiences are among the reasons why the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises considers Ifan worthy of leading PFN. With a strong background in the creative industry, Ifan is expected to bring fresh innovations to national filmmaking.
4. Appointment as President Director of PT PFN
On March 10, 2025, Ifan was officially appointed as the President Director of PT Produksi Film Negara (PFN) by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. PFN itself is a state-owned film company that plays an important role in producing films with themes of nationalism and historical documentation.
This decision marks a new chapter in Ifan's career. Although many question his background in the film industry, the trust placed in him shows that the government sees his potential in developing the Indonesian film industry.
Ifan now has a great responsibility to elevate PFN to a higher level. He is expected to expand the scope of PFN's film production and make the company more competitive in the increasingly growing film industry.
"We hope this will bring a young leader, we give him the opportunity to be the President Director, so later we ask for help from everyone, yes we will see later his creativity, experience, background, what breakthroughs he can make for PFN," said the Spokesperson for the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, Putri Violla, quoting ANTARA.
5. Challenges and Hopes for the Future of PFN
As the new CEO of PFN, Ifan faces a number of significant challenges. One of them is how to adapt PFN in the digital era and enhance the competitiveness of these state-owned film productions in both national and international markets.
"But actually, if we look at Ifan's career, it's not just in the music world, as he already has experience as a producer, which allows him to become part of the management. We hope he can bring new developments to PFN," he said.
Ifan is also expected to establish collaborations with various parties in the creative industry to strengthen the Indonesian film ecosystem. With his experience in the entertainment world, he is seen as someone who can bring a fresh perspective to the future development strategies of PFN.
With the various challenges at hand, Ifan Seventeen is now starting a new chapter in his career. His decision to dive into the film industry is not merely a professional transition, but also a manifestation of his commitment to continue contributing to the Indonesian creative industry.
"Actually, it's the same (as the CEO's duties), how to make PFN better; there are no specific tasks," he added.
6. FAQ
Who is Ifan Seventeen and what is his role at PFN?
Ifan Seventeen is the former vocalist of the band Seventeen who now serves as the President Director of PT Produksi Film Negara (PFN).
What is the reason Ifan Seventeen was appointed as the President Director of PFN?
In addition to his experience in the music world, Ifan also has involvement in the film industry as an actor and executive producer.
What challenges does Ifan face in leading PFN?
The main challenge is adapting PFN to the digital era and enhancing the competitiveness of its film productions.
What is Ifan's track record in the film industry?
Ifan has starred in the film "Sukep: The Movie" (2019) and served as an executive producer in the film "Kemarin" (2020).
(kpl/rmt)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.