Entertainment

Rock Legend Doddy Katamsi Dies at 59

Stateline MEDIA Newsroom•October 15, 2026•3 min read

Senior Indonesian rock singer Doddy Katamsi, former Elpamas vocalist, died on Thursday (15/10/2026) at 1:15 PM local time at RSUI Depok aged 59 after battling complications from heart disease and kidney failure.

Key Facts

Indonesian rock singer Doddy Katamsi (full name Doddy Keswara Kartikajaya) died on Thursday (15/10/2026) at 1:15 PM local time at the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) in Depok, aged 59.
The sad news first circulated through condolence messages shared by relatives and friends, followed by tributes from fellow musicians on social media; the story was then covered by CNN Indonesia, Detikcom, and Liputan6.
Doddy had been under intensive care for several weeks due to complications from heart disease and kidney failure.
Plans for a heart bypass surgery were cancelled by doctors as his physical condition was deemed too weak to survive the risks of the major procedure; the family announced this through the Instagram account @chikatamsi_ on September 23, 2026.
Doctors instead fitted a heart stent; the family also revealed that he had suffered delirium and hallucinations.
Doddy was known as the former vocalist of the rock band Elpamas and had been involved in the musical journeys of Kantata Band and Voodoo; he was also widely respected as a vocal coach who trained dozens of singers.
Music observer Ryan Kampua described him as a 'vocal architect' capable of unlocking each student's full potential.
Before his passing, Indonesia's music community — including Kaka Slank and Reborn — raised funds and held charity events to help cover the legend's medical costs.
His body was laid to rest at a funeral home in the Limo area, Depok.

Sad News from the Rock Music Scene

Sad news has hit Indonesia's music industry. Senior rock singer and renowned vocal coach Doddy Katamsi died on Thursday (15/10/2026) at 1:15 PM local time at the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) in Depok.

News of the 59-year-old musician's passing first circulated through condolence messages shared by relatives and friends, followed by tribute posts from fellow musicians on social media. Doddy, whose full name was Doddy Keswara Kartikajaya, passed away after several weeks of intensive care at the hospital.

The news spread quickly and was covered by national media outlets including CNN Indonesia, Detikcom, and Liputan6, making it one of the most searched topics on Thursday afternoon. According to family statements received by the media, his body was laid to rest at a funeral home in the Limo area, Depok.

Battling Heart and Kidney Complications

Before his death, Doddy had been receiving intensive care due to complications from heart disease and kidney failure. His condition was reported to have steadily declined over the final weeks of treatment at RSUI.

Through the Instagram account @chikatamsi_, the family had previously revealed that Doddy suffered delirium, a condition that causes altered consciousness, confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. The family also disclosed that plans for a heart bypass surgery had to be abandoned after examinations and observations showed his body was not strong enough to withstand the risks of the major operation.

As an alternative, doctors fitted a heart stent on him. The family had appealed for prayers from the public as Doddy received the best possible treatment. Solidarity poured in from Indonesia's music community: figures such as Kaka Slank and Reborn raised funds and organized charity events specifically to help cover the legend's medical expenses.

A Long Trail in Indonesian Rock Music

Doddy Katamsi was known as one of Indonesia's most seasoned rock vocalists. His name is closely tied to the band Elpamas, and he had also been involved in the musical journeys of Kantata Band and Voodoo, cementing his place among the most distinctive vocalists in the Indonesian music scene.

Beyond the stage, he was widely remembered as a professional educator and vocal coach. Dozens of young and professional singers learned from him, honing their breathing techniques and vocal character. Music observer Ryan Kampua called him a 'vocal architect' capable of unlocking each student's full potential.

His passing leaves deep grief not only for his family, but also an enormous sense of loss among friends, musicians, and rock lovers in Indonesia who grew up with his works.