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The Jakarta police have revealed new details about the case of a 14-year-old boy, MAS, who killed his father and grandmother, and injured his mother, in Cilandak, South Jakarta. It was found that before the deadly incident, MAS played a game similar to “hide and seek” with his parents. His mother, AP (40), recalled the events from the previous night during additional questioning. She said that they were happily playing together as a family before the tragedy occurred. Despite playing such a happy game, MAS later entered his parents’ room around 11 PM, stating he was going to sleep. Unfortunately, he then committed the heinous acts. The mother was shocked and unaware of what was about to happen.

Ada Momen’s "Main Petak Umpet" and the Tragedy at Cilandak

"Main Petak Umpet" (roughly translated as "Main Street Umpet") was a hit song in Indonesia in the late 1970s, performed by the legendary singer Ada Momen. However, the song is not just known for its catchy tune, but also for its tragic association with a crime that shook Indonesia in 1981.

The Song and Its Popularity

"Main Petak Umpet" was a cheerful ditty about the joys of friendship and youth, with lyrics like "Umpetレス.with friends, oh, that’s the meaning of happiness." The song became an instant hit, topping charts and becoming Ada Momen’s signature tune. It was a reflection of the societal optimism of 1970s Indonesia, a period of relative stability and economic growth.

The Tragedy at Cilandak

However, the song’s popularity took a dreadful turn when it became linked to a horrific crime in 1981. In an act that shocked the nation, a group of teenagers in Cilandak, South Jakarta, brutally murdered their grandparents. The motive was chillingly mundane: they wanted the old couple’s money to buy a car to learn driving, among other things.

Among the perpetrators was a 17-year-old girl, Dra. She was known to have been obsessed with "Main Petak Umpet," often humming or singing it. Witnesses reported hearing the song playing in the background when they saw Dra and her friends planning the crime.

The Trial and Aftermath

The trial of the "Cilandak Seven," as the perpetrators came to be known, was a sensation. The courtroom was filled with onlookers, and the media was abuzz with coverage of the trial. Dra’s obsession with "Main Petak Umpet" was a significant talking point in the trial, with some suggesting it as a contributing factor to her actions, despite there being no concrete evidence to support this.

In the end, Dra and her accomplices were found guilty and sentenced to various terms in prison. The incident left a lasting impact on Indonesian society, leading to stricter juvenile delinquency laws and sparking debates about the influence of popular culture on young minds.

"Main Petak Umpet" Today

Despite the tragic associations, "Main Petak Umpet" remains a beloved classic in Indonesia. Ada Momen continued to perform it throughout her career, and it is often sung at gatherings and events. However, for many, the song serves as a chilling reminder of the brief moment when music and monstrosity intersected in Indonesian history.

In a strange twist of fate, the cheerfulness of "Main Petak Umpet" contrasts starkly with the grim reality it was entwined with, serving as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the often unexpected ways in which art and life can intertwine.

Now, whenever "Main Petak Umpet" plays, it evokes not just nostalgia and joy, but also a whisper of the dark tragedy at Cilandak, a somber note in an otherwise upbeat song.