Broery

Simon Dominggus Pesulima, known professionally as Broery Marantika, was an influential Indonesian singer and actor who defined the pop music landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Ambon, he rose to become one of the nation's most beloved crooners with a smooth vocal style that resonated deeply with audiences. His career spanned over thirty years, during which he released more than twenty albums and starred in numerous films. He passed away in 2000, leaving behind a catalog of timeless hits that continue to be celebrated today.

Broery is best remembered for his emotive ballads and his ability to convey deep feeling through both song and screen. His collaboration with his wife Anita Sarawak produced some of the most iconic duets in Indonesian history. Even decades after his death, his music remains a staple on radio stations and streaming services, proving the lasting power of his artistry. [edit]

Simon Dominggus Pesulima entered the world on June 25, 1948, in Ambon, a city in the Maluku Islands known for its rich cultural heritage and strong musical traditions. Growing up in this environment, he was immersed in local sounds that would later shape his distinctive singing style. Before he ever stepped into the spotlight, he honed his craft by absorbing the rhythms of the archipelago. He eventually moved to Jakarta to pursue opportunities in the capital's burgeoning entertainment industry, where the late 1960s offered a fertile ground for new talent.

His early career began in earnest during the late 1960s when he adopted the stage name "Broery." This period was marked by dedication and hard work as he navigated the competitive music scene. He worked tirelessly to establish his presence, leading up to his breakthrough moment. The transition from a young musician in Ambon to a national star required persistence, and he built his foundation on the emotional depth of his performances before achieving widespread fame. [edit]

Broery's breakthrough arrived in the late 1960s with the release of his debut single "Jangan Ada Dusta." This track showcased his warm, emotive voice and immediately captured the public's attention, launching him into the stratosphere of Indonesian stardom. Over the next three decades, he released over 20 albums, becoming a fixture on Indonesian radio. His discography includes enduring classics like "Aku Begini, Engkau Begitu," "Cinta Putih," "Hati Yang Luka," and "Kaulah Segalanya." His success extended beyond the recording studio into cinema. Broery appeared in more than 15 films, including the 1977 drama Cinta Putih and the 1980 romance Seindah Rembulan. His ability to convey deep emotion translated seamlessly between the screen and the microphone. A pivotal moment in his career was his collaboration with his wife, Anita Sarawak, whose duet on "Jangan Ada Dusta" is considered one of the most iconic collaborations in Indonesian music history. In 1997, Broery achieved international recognition when he won an award in Malaysia for his song "Letters To Kekasih." This accolade cemented his status as a regional music icon. His legacy is preserved through compilations like 30 Years Nostalgia Vol. 2 (1999) and 30 Years in Review (1990). Today, he maintains approximately 309,700 monthly listeners on Spotify, ensuring his voice reaches new generations through remastered releases like "Salahkah (2023 Remastered)." [edit]

Broery is portrayed as a gentle, emotive crooner who brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to Indonesian pop culture. His aesthetic was that of the classic gentleman singer, fitting the mold of the 1970s and 80s era. Media portrayals focus on his smooth vocals and his role as a pioneer who bridged the gap between traditional Malay music and modern pop. He was known for his sincerity and the genuine emotion he poured into every performance, earning him a reputation as a trustworthy and beloved figure in the industry. [edit]

The iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated Broery Marantika in September 2026 to determine his current cultural weight. The evaluation confirmed that while he has been assessed, he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, meaning he does not hold a placement in the Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific list. This absence of a numeric rank reflects a shift where his fame has settled into a permanent, historical category rather than competing for real-time visibility against living stars. While he once commanded stages with ease, today his influence is measured by the endurance of his discography rather than chart positions or viral moments.

Broery does not have a formally organized fandom with a specific name or active digital campaigns, as his career concluded before the era of social media mobilization. However, his audience is vast and deeply loyal. Fans refer to themselves simply as listeners or enthusiasts of "Musik Klasik" (Classic Music). Engagement is passive but persistent, with streams of his tracks remaining steady decades after his death. There are no documented fan-funded projects or charity drives specifically in his name, though his music is often featured in nostalgic compilations curated by fans. [edit]

Simon Dominggus Pesulima was born in Ambon, a region famous for its musical heritage, which heavily influenced his emotive singing style. He legally adopted the surname "Marantika" later in his career, becoming widely recognized as Broery Marantika. His hit song "Hati Yang Luka" remains a staple on radio playlists and YouTube compilations, proving its timeless appeal. Unlike many modern stars, his legend is built entirely on the quality of his recordings rather than dramatic anecdotes or viral incidents. The story of his duet with Anita Sarawak on "Jangan Ada Dusta" is the most retold narrative, celebrated as a pinnacle of Indonesian romantic ballads. There are no verified stories of crowds fainting or streets closing due to his presence; instead, his iconic moments are the thousands of times his voice has comforted listeners over the last two decades. [edit]

Broery was married to Anita Sarawak, a relationship that was central to his personal life and professional output. They collaborated frequently, with their duets becoming some of his most popular works. While details about children are not explicitly detailed in available records, his legacy is often discussed in the context of his musical contributions rather than his progeny. His upbringing in Ambon involved a household steeped in musical tradition, which provided the foundation for his artistic development. The couple's partnership was a significant part of his life until his death in 2000. [edit]

Anita Sarawak, Ernie Djohan, Ahmad Nawab. [edit]

Broery was married to Anita Sarawak, a union that was a significant part of his personal life and professional output. Their relationship was characterized by frequent musical collaborations, with their duet on "Jangan Ada Dusta" standing out as one of the most iconic pairings in Indonesian music history. While some sources mention Ernie Djohan as a frequent duet partner, Anita Sarawak is confirmed as his spouse. The couple worked together extensively throughout his career, blending their talents to create memorable performances.

There are no records of relationships prior to his marriage to Anita Sarawak in the available data, nor any subsequent partnerships following her death or his own passing. As of his death in 2000, he was married to Anita Sarawak. The couple's partnership was a defining feature of his life, contributing to the emotional depth found in much of his work. [edit]

Broery Pesulima passed away on April 7, 2000, in Depok at the age of 51. The circumstances surrounding his final days were quiet and far removed from the public eye that had followed him for three decades. Medical authorities and his family never released an official cause of death, leaving the precise reasons for his passing to speculation rather than documented fact. There are no records of a formal investigation or autopsy findings made public.

While immediate tributes or organized vigils are not well-documented in available sources, his impact remained profound through the continued circulation of his music. Compilations like 30 Years Nostalgia and digital remasters such as "Salahkah (2023 Remastered)" have kept his voice accessible to new generations. His estate continues to generate revenue through streaming royalties and licensing deals on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. No specific foundations or scholarships were established in his name, but his legacy endures through the persistent play of hits like "Hati Yang Luka" and "Cinta Putih" across Indonesian radio and online playlists. [edit]

As Broery passed away in 2000, his net worth is now represented by the value of his estate. Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Broery's estate value at around $2 million. This valuation is derived from several key revenue streams that have persisted long after his death. Streaming royalties remain a significant contributor, with tracks like "Hati Yang Luka" and "Cinta Putih" maintaining steady listenership on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Licensing deals for the use of his songs in films, commercials, and nostalgic compilations also provide consistent income.

Physical sales of vinyl and CD reissues continue to add to the estate's holdings, driven by collectors and fans seeking tangible memorabilia. The estate is managed to ensure these assets continue to generate revenue for his heirs. Without specific financial disclosures from the estate managers, a precise 2026 valuation cannot be calculated, but it remains a steady source of income. The estate's trajectory shows stability, with the enduring popularity of his classic recordings ensuring a reliable financial future. [edit]

Broery received significant recognition for his contributions to music, including a notable win in Malaysia in 1997 for his song "Letters To Kekasih." While specific awards like Grammys or Oscars are not listed, his status as a legendary figure in Indonesian pop implies substantial industry recognition within his home country. His work has been honored through various compilations and retrospectives that celebrate his impact on the genre. [edit]