
Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono
Member of Dewa 19
Also known as: Bimo Sulaksono, Bimo
Birthday
December 22, 1971
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Birthplace
Jakarta
Age
54 years old
About
Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono is an Indonesian drummer, producer, and composer who has shaped the sound of modern rock in Indonesia for over three decades. Best known as the founder of the band Netral and a former member of Dewa 19, he operates with the quiet authority of a musician's musician rather than a mainstream celebrity. His career spans multiple influential projects including Ahmad Band, Romeo, Bonus Band, TBK, and Juliette, establishing him as a central figure in the country's alternative music scene.
As of 2026, Bimo remains active in the industry, occasionally releasing new material and engaging with his dedicated fanbase through selective social media updates. He is celebrated for a drumming style that prioritizes solid rhythm and emotional service to the song over technical showmanship. While he does not seek the spotlight, his contributions to the genre have earned him deep respect from peers and historians alike.
Early Life & Background
Born on December 22, 1971, in Jakarta, Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono grew up immersed in a musical environment that would eventually define his path. Specific details about his early schooling or family life remain private, consistent with his lifelong preference for keeping his personal affairs out of the public eye. His passion for percussion emerged during his youth, leading him to develop a unique approach to drumming that focused on groove and feel rather than flashy complexity.
Before achieving national recognition, Bimo was already a fixture in Jakarta's local music circuit. He honed his craft in various small ensembles and underground bands, building a reputation for reliability and creativity. This period of apprenticeship allowed him to refine the skills that would later make him a sought-after session player and bandleader. By the time he entered the professional arena in the early 1990s, he had already established himself as a serious talent ready to lead his own projects.
Career Growth
Bimo's professional trajectory began in earnest with the formation of Netral in the early 1990s alongside vocalist Bagus Dhanar Dhana. The band quickly gained traction in the mid-to-late 90s, blending hard rock with melodic sensibilities to create hits like Pesan Terakhir. This success cemented his status as a founding father of Indonesian alternative rock.
In 1998, Bimo faced a defining moment when he was approached by Ahmad Dhani to join Dewa 19 as a permanent drummer following the departure of Wong Aksan. Bimo initially agreed and participated in recording sessions for the album Cintailah Cinta, taking several tracks. However, he abruptly left shortly after, citing discomfort at replacing his friend Aksan permanently and a refusal to sign a contract for a band he did not create. This decision reportedly angered Dhani and Andra Ramadhan at the time but highlighted Bimo's principled nature.
Almost immediately after leaving Dewa 19, Bimo co-founded the band Romeo with former Netral vocalist Bebi Sudiro. This move showcased his restless creativity and desire to lead his own ventures. Over the years, he expanded his portfolio by founding or serving as a core member for Bonus Band, TBK (Tiga Bintang Kuning), and Juliette. He also became a key collaborator with Ahmad Dhani in the project Ahmad Band, contributing to its distinct industrial and alternative rock sound. As of recent years, Bimo has remained active, with news breaking in late 2023 regarding the reactivation of TBK and continued promotion of Netral's catalog in 2026.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Bimo is known for a low-key aesthetic that avoids the flamboyant stage costumes common in pop music. He prefers a functional, musician-focused look that reflects his identity as a serious craftsman rather than a celebrity. His public image is built on the reputation of being a reliable, versatile drummer who serves the song above all else. He rarely engages in viral trends or constant content creation, instead letting his work in the studio and on stage define his presence. This understated demeanor has earned him a reputation as a respected elder statesman of the Indonesian rock scene.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
The fanbase surrounding Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono is defined by a quiet, reverent appreciation for the drummer who shaped Indonesia's rock landscape without ever seeking the spotlight. Unlike the frenzied, organized mobs that chase pop stars, Bimo's followers are music historians and session musicians who recognize his name as a seal of quality rather than a brand to be shouted. There is no formal collective identity or specific nickname for this group; they simply call themselves fans of his work, united by a shared knowledge of his tenure with bands like Netral, Ahmad Band, and Dewa 19. This lack of a branded fandom reflects Bimo's own preference for letting the music speak louder than the personality. While some might expect grand campaigns or birthday billboards, the community instead focuses on dissecting his drumming techniques and discussing the rare interviews where he shares insights into the creative process.
iFANN has not yet collected sufficient data to assign a global or regional fame ranking for Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono. The metrics required to place him on the world stage have not been gathered by our team as of October 2026, so no ordinal position can be stated at this time. Consequently, there are no hyperlinked rankings to anchor his current standing in the global consciousness within our database. This absence of a calculated rank does not diminish his stature among those who know the history; it merely indicates that his fame remains niche and specialized rather than mass-market viral. For now, his legacy rests entirely on the enduring popularity of the bands he founded and the respect he commands from fellow artists, a status that transcends any algorithmic score we might one day generate. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono is often credited as the key figure behind the formation of Netral and Romeo, yet he rarely takes center stage in interviews. His drumming style is instantly recognizable to Indonesian musicians for its solidity and ability to serve the song's emotional core rather than just technical complexity. Despite his extensive resume spanning numerous major acts, he has maintained a relatively low public profile, avoiding the spotlight that often accompanies such a successful career. He is sometimes called "Bimo" by everyone, including industry giants, reflecting his approachability and deep roots in the community. A particularly telling legend involves his refusal to stay in Dewa 19 permanently because he felt it was unfair to replace his friend Aksan, a decision rooted in loyalty over fame.
Notable Quotes
“Lebih enak di Dewa, kalo Ahmad Band kamar hotelnya nggak bagus.”
“Musik Netral nggak ada bedanya pas latihan dan manggung, soalnya main pake hati banget.”
“Nggak enak gue sama Aksan.”
Family & Personal Life
Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono maintains an exceptionally private personal life. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he rarely discusses his romantic history or family background in interviews or on social media. There are no credible public records detailing any marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships, nor are there confirmed reports of children. Details about his immediate family, including parents or siblings, are not part of the public record. He keeps his home life separate from his professional persona, allowing his music to speak for itself while he focuses on his creative output.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono maintains an exceptionally private personal life, and unlike many of his contemporaries, he rarely discusses his romantic history in interviews or on social media. There are no credible public records, news reports, or verified statements detailing any marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships. As of 2026, Bimo is widely considered to be single or extremely private regarding his dating life. No partner has been publicly named, and there are no confirmed children reported in public records or biographies. He keeps his home life separate from his professional persona, allowing his music to speak for itself.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$500 Thousand
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Estimating the net worth of Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono as of 2026 is challenging due to his lack of public financial disclosure and his preference for privacy. Celebrity net worth sites typically exclude him due to a lack of data, as he does not have high-profile endorsement deals or solo pop-star revenue streams comparable to mainstream artists. Estimates range from "undisclosed" to "modest wealth derived from royalties and production." Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts his fortune at around $500 Thousand.
His income likely stems from ongoing royalties from his extensive discography with Netral, Romeo, Ahmad Band, and Dewa 19. Fees earned as a producer for various artists and bands contribute significantly to his earnings. Occasional concert appearances and reunion shows with his former bands provide additional revenue streams. Sales related to his bands' catalogs and merchandise also add to his financial standing. There is no public information regarding real estate holdings, luxury vehicles, or investment portfolios.
Awards & Accolades
Known For
Netral
1991 · Founder and Drummer
Romeo
1998 · Founder and Drummer
Dewa 19
1998 · Temporary Drummer
Ahmad Band
2000 · Drummer and Producer
TBK
2005 · Founder and Drummer
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- musician
- Born
- December 22, 1971
- Birthplace
- Jakarta
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Sagittarius
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono
- Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gabriel Bimo Sulaksono?
Why did Bimo leave Dewa 19?
What bands did Bimo Sulaksono found?
Is Bimo Sulaksono still active?
Does Bimo Sulaksono have a wife or kids?
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