Alberthiene Endah Explained

Alberthiene Endah
Birth Date:16 September
Birth Place:Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Nationality:Indonesian
Period:1993–present

Rr. Alberthiene Endah Kusumawardhani Hilaul-Sutoyo (16 September), better known as Alberthiene Endah, is an Indonesian biographer, novelist, and journalist. She is known for her in-depth biographies of Indonesian celebrities, such as Chrisye and Krisdayanti. She has been called "the most sought after biographer in [Indonesia]."

Biography

Endah was born in Bandung, West Java, but grew up in Depok. She was interested in writing from a young age, and decided to become a journalist while in junior high school.[1] Upon graduating senior high school she majored in Dutch literature at Universitas Indonesia.[2]

Endah received her first job working for the magazine Hidup in 1993.[1] In 1996, she started at the women's magazine Femina.[2] While working at Femina, Endah interviewed many people, among them Jennifer Lopez, Xanana Gusmão,[1] and Krisdayanti, who asked her to write her biography. That biography was released in 2003 under the title Seribu Satu KD.[2]

In 2004, Endah resigned from her position at Femina to focus on her career as a freelance writer[2] and lead the editorial board at Prodo magazine.[1] During this time, she was approached by several public figures and asked to write their biography.[2]

She also released her first novel, Don't Give Me Drugs (id|Jangan Beri Aku Narkoba), in 2004. Don't Give Me Drugs received an award from the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency for her "effort in combating drugs" and first place at the 2005 Adikarya Awards. In 2005, Don't Give Me Drugs was adapted into the film The Last Second (id|Detik Terakhir).[2]

Between May and November 2006, Endah worked on writing musician Chrisye's biography while he was battling lung cancer.[2] She has called it her "most special" work[1] and Chrisye's willingness to be interviewed "like a miracle."[2]

In 2010 she announced that she was working on a biography of actress Luna Maya. Endah has stated that she plans on writing a full biography, not just about the star's recent sex tape scandal.[3]

Personal life

Endah is married to Indonesian photographer Dio Hilaul.[2]

When writing biographies, Endah participates in the subjects day-to-day activities. She has called writing biographies "like dating [the subject]", because of the need to be involved in their activities.[2] She has accompanied subjects on tour, in video editing sessions, and during their fight against cancer.[2]

Bibliography

Her works include:[2]

Biographies
YearTitleTitle in EnglishNotes
2003Seribu Satu KDOne Thousand and One KDsFirst biography
2004Panggung Hidup Raam PunjabiRaam Punjabi's Life on the Stage
2004Dwi Ria Latifa: Berpolitik dengan NuraniPolitics with a Conscience
2006Venna Melinda Guide to Good Living: Bugar dan Cantik ala Venna MelindaFit and Beautiful the Venna Melinda Way
2007Anne Avantie: Aku, Anugerah dan KebayaMe, The Gift and Kebaya
2007Chrisye: Sebuah Memoar MusikalA Musical Memoir
2008Titiek Puspa: A Legendary DivaTitiek Puspa: A Legendary DivaOn Titiek Puspa
2009Catatan Hati Krisdayanti — My Life, My SecretKrisdayanti's Memoirs — My Life, My Secret
2010Memoar Romantika Probosutedjo : Saya dan Mas HartoProbosutedjo's Romantic Memoir : Me and My Brother, Harto
2011Merry Riana — Mimpi Sejuta DolarMerry Riana — A Million Dollar Dream
2012Joko Widodo - Menyentuh JakartaJoko Widodo - Touching Jakarta
Novels
YearTitleTitle in EnglishNotes
2004Jangan Beri Aku NarkobaDon't Give Me DrugsFirst novel
2004Cewek MatreThe Material Girl
2004Jodoh MonikaMonika's Partner
2005Dicintai JoLoved by Jo
2008SelebritiCelebrity
2009Ojek Cantik The Beautiful Motorbike Taxi Driver
2009Nyonya JetsetMiss Jetset

Notes and References

  1. Malik, Candra. "My Jakarta: Writer Alberthiene Endah " The Jakarta Globe. 23 August 2009.
  2. Kurniasari, Titik. "Alberthiene Endah: Life, She wrote " The Jakarta Post. 22 November 2009.
  3. Kamil, Ati. "Kehidupan Luna Maya Akan Dibukukan?." Kompas. 20 August 2010. (Indonesian).