The Life Story of Johny Indo, the 'Robin Hood' Who Once Escaped from Prison and Converted to Islam

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian entertainment world is once again mourning the loss of one of its senior actors, Johny Indo, on Sunday (26/1) yesterday. He passed away due to old age and a history of hernia that he had been suffering from for a long time. Johny passed away at the age of 71.

According to plan, the man dubbed as 'Robin Hood' of Indonesia will be buried today, Monday (27/1) after Dhuhr prayer. The burial procession will be carried out according to Islamic customs, considering that Johny is a convert to Islam even though his extended family is Christian.

Millennials may still be unfamiliar with the name Johny Indo, who was famous in the 70s and 80s. However, it should be known that he had a life story that is truly unbelievable, even repeatedly shocking the whole of Indonesia. How is that possible? Read the complete story below..

1. Starting from Models and Advertising Stars

Johny Indo © Special

Johny Indo was born with the name Johanes Hubertus Eijkenboom in Garut, West Java, on November 6, 1948. Initially, he was a photo model and also a star in various product advertisements, such as cough medicine to cigarettes.

However, for unknown reasons, Johny suddenly chose to change his career path. And believe it or not, Johny chose to become a robber. Yes, a real robber.

2. Becoming a Gold Shop Robber

Johny's name only became the center of attention throughout Indonesia when he became a robber. Not alone, Johny carried out his actions with his group named Pachinko. Their target was various gold shops in Jakarta and its surroundings.

These actions were carried out around the 1970s. One of the most sensational actions was robbing a gold shop in Cikini, Central Jakarta. Not only once, at that time Johny and his gang repeated the same action up to four times. All of their targets were gold shops.

3. The Origins of the Nickname Robin Hood

Johny Indo © Special

What Johny did was indeed against the rules and the law. However, he was admired by the people, especially the residents of Jakarta and its surroundings. How is that possible?

Well, Johny always distributed the proceeds of his robberies to those who were less fortunate in the South, North, and East Jakarta areas. His actions were exactly like the story of the popular and legendary literary figure, Robin Hood.

4. Arrested by the Police

Johny Indo © KapanLagi.com

Whether Robin Hood or not, Johny's actions were still considered against the law. Therefore, the police arrested Johny and his accomplices back in 1979. At that time, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with 10 years for possessing firearms and 4 years for robbery.

Johny and his accomplices were detained in Nusakambangan, Cilacap, Central Java.

5. Escape from Prison

While serving his sentence, Johny once again caused a sensation throughout Indonesia. How could he not, he successfully escaped from prison. Even though it is known that Nusakambangan Prison is famous for its tight security.

How did Johny escape? Until now, it remains a mystery. But one thing is certain, it only took the police 12 days to recapture the fugitive. Some other rumors say that Johny himself chose to surrender.

6. Released from Prison Became an Artist

Johny Indo © Special

After being released from a long sentence, Johny's fate changed drastically. He was recruited to become an actor in a film that tells his own life story titled JOHNY INDO, THE TRUE STORY OF A PRISONER in 1987.

Not only that, Johny also received various offers to shoot in other film titles. Some of his popular films are Street Storm (1989), Mystery of Love (1989), Queen of the South Sea's Spell (1991), Mystery of the Ronggeng (1991), and Heroic Area (1991).

7. Johny Indo Converts to Islam

Johny Indo © KapanLagi.com

In the 1990s, Johny's name began to fade. He decided to live a peaceful life with his family, away from the spotlight. He only became a media sensation again when he decided to convert to Islam, also known as a mualaf.

To prove his seriousness towards Islam, Johny also changed his name to Umar Billah. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage in the early 2000s. He engaged in various religious activities at that time, such as preaching at several events.

8. Passing Away at the Age of 71

At the age of 71, Johny Indo took his last breath. He was known to have suffered from hernia for a long time. Additionally, his age was also a reason for the departure of the legend.

Johny then underwent an Islamic funeral procession, where his body was prayed for and blessed. However, his body was still placed in a casket, considering that his extended family were followers of the Christian faith. His wife even worked as a pastor.

Rest in peace, Robin Hood.

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