Returning to Acting After 17 Years, Rieke Diah Pitaloka: I Even Cooked on Set!

Kapanlagi.com - After a long absence from the screen, Rieke Diah Pitaloka finally returns to the world of acting after a 17-year hiatus. This comeback is an emotional moment for Rieke, who started her career at the age of 13 and had completely stopped acting since entering parliament in 2009.

"Of course, yes, because as I said earlier, I've been acting since I was 13, then I completely stopped everything when I entered parliament in 2009," Rieke said when met in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (3/6/2025).

The film Rieke chose for her comeback is AGEN +62. According to her, this film addresses important issues that she wants to convey to the public. She also feels that the film presents these messages lightly without a condescending tone.

"Actually, there have been offers for shooting all this time, but the issues presented in this film are really important for the public to know and for the public to digest without feeling pressured," she said.

1. Eight Different Characters

Shooting was not easy for Rieke. In this film, she had to portray eight different characters, something that was technically and emotionally challenging. She admitted to feeling awkward because she had to recall the basics of acting after such a long time.

"Yeah, a bit. Reminding myself how to do it because usually when shooting a film, it's one character... In one film, there are eight characters," she revealed.

Not only acting, Rieke also fully engaged in production, including doing choreography without the help of a stunt double and even cooking for her colleagues on set. She felt like she was back at home.

"I also had choreography practice, I didn't want to use a stunt double, so 80 percent I didn't use a stunt double, I did it myself, I requested it myself. I just wanted to enjoy my role," she said.

2. Still Prioritize Work as a Member of Parliament

Rieke Diah Pitaloka (Credit: instagram.com/riekediahp)

Rieke describes Martha's character as one of the most exciting among the eight roles she played. However, she believes the biggest challenge is maintaining emotional continuity between characters, especially during shooting jumping scenes in one location.

"The one playing Martha, then there are other characters that have a lot of portions... The hardest part, that's for me because in a story it's not an easy thing," she said.

Despite being busy, Rieke emphasizes that she still prioritizes her work as a member of the parliament. The entire shooting process is arranged so as not to interfere with her formal duties, including negotiating from the beginning with the producer.

3. Cannot Confirm Yet

"That's why when asked if I felt awkward, I said no. I really have to manage my time with work, because I made an agreement with Wahana and the producer specifically not to disturb my work," she explained.

Does this indicate that Rieke will continue acting? She cannot confirm yet, but admits she is very much enjoying this comeback process. The public's response to the film AGEN +62 will determine her next steps.

"So I can't say whether I will return or not, just wait and see, but the important thing is hopefully this film... as I mentioned earlier at the press conference that we are the second principle of humanity that is just and civilized," she concluded.

(kpl/aal/tdr)