Name Roestam Moenaf Fariz never very popular in the 1980s through the song Sakura and Barcelona. Now, at the age of more than half a century, he wanted to devote his life to call for the importance of religious harmony. For the sake of the mission, he also sang in church lakoni.
Report: THOMAS KUKUH, Bandung
That afternoon Fariz was seen in the corner of altars indonesia Christian Church (GKI) Maulana Yusuf, Bandung. Men who sabagian gray hair that was playing the keyboard while occasionally singing a song. In the midst of singing the song, he suddenly stopped. His forehead frown if the composition of sound issued from some sound system in the room was not in accordance with her wishes. He went back to tinkering with the instrument to produce sound that it deems most appropriate.
That afternoon the clock showed 17.45. The atmosphere in the church located at Jalan Maulana Yusuf No. 20 was still quiet. In fact, according to the plan, 15 minutes longer surgical event a book titled From A Jar is held at the church began. Fariz was the star guest at the event. "I have to check the sound before the show started," Fariz said, then smiled at Java Post (Pos North Sumatra group) who meet on Monday last week (17 / 1).
Uncle singer Sherina said, he was very proud to have the opportunity to be invited to fill nonkristiani event at GKI Maulana Yusuf. Not this time just Fariz asked to enliven the event at the church. But, it is the second.
Previously, the father of three was the invitation of Reverend Albertus Patty to fill the event in the Christmas service on December 25, 2010. At that time she sang a few songs for the congregation that celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ.
Not only Fariz, Qasidah group Ar Rahman came to the church at that time to give a Christmas greeting to the church of Eng. In fact, the group chanted Shalawat Qasidah the Prophet at the altar. Inevitably, what do these kasidah Fariz and group criticized some circles. However, Fariz felt his actions were a symbol of harmony and diversity owned by the Indonesian nation.
Men who celebrate the 52nd birthday on January 5, then it is said he will never forget the experience. Actually Oneng Riadini Diana, wife Fariz, was worried about her husband's desire to meet the invitation of Christmas worship service. However, Fariz assured that their visit was not a bad thing to worry about. "If this is indeed an invitation from God, all will be fine," said Fariz Oneng calm.
Father of three children mangatakan that he did not hesitate to fulfill the invitation because it has special memories with the church. Because, as a child, Fariz live in families of different religions. His father, Roestam Moenaf, is a Muslim, while his mother, Anna Reijnenberg, Catholic. Fariz also often get the Catholic teachings.
Now, when Fariz moved two years old, she decided to become a convert to Islam. Since then, Fariz explore life as a Muslim. "God willing, I never miss prayers," he said.
Therefore, Fariz really happy to get a special invitation from the Reverend Albertus. "When I get up early (at Christmas) I can not wait to come to church. I prepare everything, "he said.
However, while in the church and take turns bringing a song, Fariz heart pounding. "Liar if I was not nervous. It's only my first singing in church, "Fariz said, then smiled.
How to respond to a number of protests that there is "" Ah, I do not give a damn, "Fariz said lightly. He was sure, what it does not conflict with any religion.
According to him, all religions teach for living in peace side by side with any religious people. Fariz said, what it does is the realization that he supported the harmony of religious life and will be voicing the spirit of it. "I'm proud of what I do. It lho people of Indonesia, is different but still get along, "he said.
One of the background Fariz would come to the Christmas service at GKI Maulana Yusuf feel concerned by the problems due to sectarian religious backgrounds who are still often emerged in Indonesia. According to him, his arrival is the responsibility of a public figure to call for harmony.
Fariz religious life was not always take place smoothly. "I had become an atheist two years after losing her first child," he says.
In 1989, the first child born Fariz had just died. "She was crying about 1.5 seconds. Breathless, and then died, "he said.
The man who began to pursue a professional music world since 1977, said was devastated. When about to bury her son, the last time Fariz pray. While carrying her son shortly before burial, Fariz said his expectations. "I confronted her face to you (God). I still believe in thy greatness, so show me a miracle. But, if not, do not expect me to believe in You. "
Feeling prayer was not unrequited, Fariz began to leave the life of his religion. About two years he has never underwent obligations as a Muslim. But, says Fariz, his wife the more diligent worship.
Fariz re believe the greatness of God when his wife pregnant a second time. "When ultrasound (ultrsonografi) in May 1991, we notified our child twins," he said. "I am ashamed to have questioned the greatness of God. Apparently God gives miracles. I lost one child, instantly replaced the two, "added an alumnus of the Fine Arts Department's ITB.
He then gave the name of female twins who were born on October 26, 1991 was Rivenski Atwinda Ravenska Atwinda Difa and Difa. On 11 September 1998, Fariz and Oneng again blessed with a son who was named Syavergio Avia Difaputra.
Fariz claimed to be closer to God after serving a drug case because of the trail in 2007. According to him, it is a trial and a test given by God. "I am not guilty. I was just a victim. But I accept it. This is a valuable experience, "he explained.
Now all the songs Fariz has a religious element. Therefore, it is a form of thanksgiving and effort Fariz draw closer to God. "I will continue campaigning for tolerance and religious harmony. Of course, with my way, "said Fariz.
"If a church wants to invite me, go ahead. People just invited me happy marriage, let alone invited to the church to spread kindness, "he added
INVISIO BAND: Penampilan Invisio Band dalam pergelaran Gempar Sumatera di Lapangan Merdeka Medan, kamis (2/12) //ANDRI GINTING/SUMUT POS
