IO – After fighting against lymph node cancer and even being declared healthy in 2014, actor Ria Irawan’s was again diagnosed with cancer in 2019 which then worsened. The actor passed away on Monday, January 6.
Ria took her final breath in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Central Jakarta at four in the morning.
She was diagnosed with stage 3 lymph node cancer on her right pelvis in 2009. After five years of undergoing chemotherapy, Ria was declared cancer free. Unfortunately, in March last year, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The cancer soon spread to her other organs.
“Ria died at dawn,” said her husband, Mayky Wongkar. “At four in the morning I went to pray, there was Mbak Dewi Irana and a nurse accompanying her. When I returned everyone was already crying. The nurse said it looked like she was no longer breathing,” said Mayky.
Ria’s family said they had premonitions of Ria’s departure 40 days before she passed. “There were signs Ria Irawan would die in 40 days, she asked to be led in prayer,” said Dewi Irawan to reporters in Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery, South Jakarta.
“She had trouble going up the stairs (to pray). That was the first time we prayed together,” said Dewi.
Born Chandra Ariati Dewi Irawan, Ria was the daughter of the two actors, Bambang Irawan and Ade Irawan.
At a young age, Ria already starred in films such as Nakalnya Anak Anak. As her acting skills improved, she went on to star in the films Kembang Kertas (1985), Ibunda (1986), Selamat Tinggal Jeannete (1987), Biola Tak Berdawai, Kembang Kertas, Arisan 1 (2003), Berbagi Suami (2006), Jamila dan Sang Presiden (2009), Madame X (2010), Arisan 2 (2011), Bule Jadi Santri (2014), Bulan Di Atas Kuburan (2015), Gila Jiwa: Illogical Sane (2016).
Her last film was directed by Hanung Bramantyo and was titled Mekah I’m Coming.
“I was a fan of Ria Irawan ever since she played in Ibunda. Since then I very much wanted to ask her to play in one of my films.”
“Finally, she appeared shortly in the film Soekarno. Feeling not satisfied, I asked her to play in the film Mekah I’m Coming.”
“I didn’t think that would be her last film. Goodbye mba Ria. Hopefully you are at peace in Heaven,” wrote Hangung on his Instagram account.
Goodbye, Ria Irawan. You have fought but God had already decided your journey. Rest in Peace! (rp)