In Memoriam Vikky Bintangsyah

Taufik Banua Bintangsyah

November 13th (34 years ago) - April 8th 2010

That afternoon rain was falling down, when i received an sms which told me that Vikky, one of radio announcer in Ninetyniners Bandung passed away. It was on April, 8th 2010. Suddenly, i can't say a word. It's the answer.. after i was waiting for him to come up at his show. Now i know, i won't be able to hear his voice in the air. Not anymore..

I asked my best friend to turn on the radio for me. And in silence i was hearing the announcers updating news about Vikky. Yes.. Vikky passed away and they're playing songs for him. Songs that make the blue afternoon felt so cold. Chrisye - Kala Surya Tenggelam, Peterpan - Tak Ada yang Abadi, 7 Kurcaci - Kembali, Incubus - I Miss You were the songs i remember.

I never knew him well. But somehow i feel that he's a good man. Vikky is one of my favorite announcer while i was in college (around 2001 until 2006). With Noni and Brutus, he ran a morning show, called "Funky in The Morning". It was fantastic! And i enjoyed it very much.

After graduated, i seldom listen to the radio and by that time Vikky didn't run the morning show anymore, because his two friends resigned from the radio.
Later i know that a friend of mine is his brother, and once in a life time i saw him. But at that time he's not in a good condition. Since 2008 Vikky got trouble with his health. He was sent to the hospital because of trouble in digest system.

After that, for a while his life back to normal. He made a new programme in the radio where he used to work in. But it's not long lasting. While i was listening to the radio which keep updating news about Vikky, i knew that he just showed up at his programme few times, because of his health. And at his last visit to the office, he's talking much with friends.. and that became his last words and moment in Ninetyniners.

On February his health getting worse and on April he was taken to the hospital. He stayed for two weeks and finally God called him on April 8th 2010 at 03.35 pm. Vikky passed away because of lymphoma, brain haemorrhage and meningitis. Vikky passed away on the day when his friends held charity event for him and his beloved wife.

That night.. I kept listening to the radio. So many sms from the listeners.. They want to send their deepest condolences to Vikky's family. And many stories from his friends were told on air.. about his goodness, about his hobby to visit many school around Bandung just to buy some school's food, his eating hobby and how he liked to bring chicken noodles from Antapani for his friends, his journey with 7 Kurcaci, and his opinion about Indie Band.

That was a long day.. Remembering a man whom i met and shaking hand once in my life time.

Vikky's funeral was held on Friday, the day after God called him. He was taken to Leles, Garut, to a family's cemetery. I kept listening to the radio that morning. And the radio crew told us that the funeral was finished on schedule.

I think everybody who knows him will continue sending their pray, hope God will give the very best things for Vikky.

Personally, his first and last words for me is.. "Ati-Ati!" He was saying that truly while looked at me in the eye.. Simple.. But until today, i still remember.. At that time he was standing in front of the house, accompanied me who was in a very messy condition, then he said those words.

Rest in peace Radio Star ..
A Star will always be a star, in heart, in mind, and high up above..

Few songs that continue playing for Vikky - some were requested by his closest friends on the day Vikky passed away..

Tanpa terasa. Kini kau telah tiada. Membawa semua kenangan di saat kita bersama. Andai bisa ku berjumpa untuk kembali tertawa. Tapi semua tak mungkin, karena kau tak kan kembali.. Ingin kembali.. jangan kau pergi.. (7 Kurcaci - Kembali)

You have only been gone ten days, But already I'm wasting away. I know I'll see you again. Whether far or soon. But I need you to know that I care, And I miss you.. (Incubus - I Miss You)

Remembering, everything, about my world and when you came. Wondering, the change you'd bring, means nothing else would be the same.Did you know, what you were doing, did you know. Did you know how you would move me well, I don't really think so.. (Mae - We're so Far Away)

Di sini sendiri jauh darimu. Ku lewati, malam sepi memuja. Tanpamu ku rasakan mati, tak seperti saat kau di sisi. Ku merindukanmu.. (Minoru - Merindukanmu)