The Riffmeister Has Left The Stage

 

(Photo owned by Seringai Official Instagram)

I still remember the first time I heard that Arian 13 (Puppen) was going to form a new band with Ricky (Stepforward), sometime around 2000. I accidentally overheard a guy talking to his friends while flipping through new cassettes at my friend’s shop. I got excited. That whole day, I kept playing “Abstain” by Puppen and “Backstabber” by Stepforward on my Walkman, while selling bootleg merchandise at Platform 6, Blok M underground.

When I worked at an internet café owned by one of my close friends, I made extra money during my shift by burning music compilation CDs. I sold them for 10k–15k, with about 20 songs per disc. On a good day, I could sell more than 10. It was a solid hustle. But honestly, I preferred making mixtapes on cassette—it felt more satisfying. One of my favorites was packed with tracks from Puppen, Stepforward, Burgerkill, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Motörhead, Descendents, and Black Flag.

(Photo owned by Seringai Official Instagram)

In 2004, Seringai dropped their mini album High Octane Rock, and I swear to God, it was a masterpiece. Every time I heard “Membakar Jakarta,” I just wanted to jump into the pit, pour gasoline, light a fire, and slam dance all at once. When they released Serigala Militia in 2007, tracks like “Mengadili Persepsi (Bermain Tuhan)” and “Serigala Militia” became anthems in my life—and I know I’m not the only one. For the Serigala Militia, those songs were sacred.

I did whatever I could to catch their live shows—Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya. The moment I had cash, I checked their gig schedule. I didn’t care how I’d get there—how many buses, trains, or oplet rides it would take—I just needed to be in that pit. To watch them live. To mosh. To slam dance. To let their music set me free.

Seringai is still one of the best bands we’ve ever had. They’ve liberated me in ways I can’t fully explain. They’ve always been part of my life. Especially Arian 13 and Ricky Siahaan.

(Personal photo, Wayang Orang Rock Ekalaya Backstage, 2014)

When they did Wayang Orang Ekalaya Rock, a musical show that mixed traditional wayang tales with rock music—directed by Arie Dagienkz—Seringai was one of the featured acts. It was one of the best projects I’ve ever been part of. I spent a lot of time backstage with Arian and Ricky. They were always the jokers, and I was usually their favorite target. We had so much fun—backstage, in the media pit, and in the mosh pit.

Ricky was undeniably one of the best musicians this country ever had. He didn’t just create riffs—he created experiences. Passionate yet thoughtful. Rough yet compassionate. Tracks like “Lencana,” “Canis Dirus,” “Dilarang di Bandung,” and “Enam Lima” hit hard because they weren’t just loud—they were loud with purpose. Political, personal, and powerful. Ricky’s riffs gave us goosebumps. They rushed through our veins, lifted us up, dropped us back to earth, then blessed us again five seconds before the outro. Always like that.

(Serigala Militia Selamanya Concert, 2025, Seringai Official Instagram)

The Riffmeister has left the stage—after Seringai’s last show in Tokyo, Japan, on April 19th, 2025. A musician’s way to exit. Right, Ric?

Everyone who knew him, who felt his music, who let his creations live in their bones for the last 20 years—would agree: You were one of the most beautiful souls we’ve ever had.

Rest in power, chainsaw, riffmeister, Ricky Siahaan.
Fly high with Ivan Scumbag, Robin Hutagaol, Krisna Sadrach, and Ebenz.
Start a new band up there—it would be fucking great, Ric.
I’ll see you on the other side.


Ubud, 20 April 2025
“Membakar Jakarta” – Seringai