Imam Tantowi, veteran Indonesian filmmaker, dies at 80

Senior Indonesian filmmaker and screenwriter Imam Tantowi passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 80. He died in the Karawaci area of Tangerang, Banten.

Imam Tantowi was a significant figure in the history of Indonesian film and television, known for his work as a director of action and epic films, as well as a screenwriter and creator. His career spanned several decades, reaching audiences from the 1980s film era to popular television soap operas. He was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2024 Festival Film Indonesia (FFI).

His passing was confirmed by Evry Joe, spokesperson for the Indonesian Film Artists Association (PARFI). Tributes have been shared by various institutions, including the Festival Film Indonesia and the Jakarta Arts Council (Dewan Kesenian Jakarta), acknowledging his vital contributions to the development of the nation's film industry.