This year’s Idul Fitri, also known as Lebaran, holds a distinctly poignant significance for the family of the late Vidi Aldiano. It marks their first celebration of the significant Islamic holiday without the beloved singer, leaving a profound void in their cherished traditions.
Following the traditional Eid prayers, Vidi’s parents, Harry Kiss and Besbarini, made a heartfelt pilgrimage to their son’s grave on a recent Saturday. Harry, in particular, struggled to conceal his deep sorrow and the overwhelming sense of loss that permeated the solemn visit.
Among the many cherished traditions, one that Harry profoundly misses is the annual family photo session, renowned for its unique and imaginative themes always spearheaded by Vidi. “This time, the idea-maker is gone. So, there are no ideas. Do you all have any ideas?” Harry lamented, highlighting the void Vidi’s creative spirit left behind. He fondly recalled Vidi’s unwavering enthusiasm in conceptualizing the family’s Lebaran outfits and photo themes each year. “The themes were different every year: a musician theme, a chef, a barista, a fisherman, a Power Ranger theme — quite challenging, right? And what was the last one? Avengers, or maybe Batman and Robin. He always came up with such quirky, diverse themes,” Harry Kiss reminisced, painting a vivid picture of his son’s vibrant personality.
Harry also expressed longing for the family’s customary shared meals at their Bintaro residence. Vidi was known for his distinctive culinary preferences, often requesting dishes that deviated from the typical Lebaran fare. “He would usually come to our place in Bintaro, and we would prepare various unusual foods for him, like sushi. While traditional dishes like opor and others were brought by Ibu Sheila (Vidi’s mother-in-law) — her cooking is truly delicious — Vidi personally preferred simple sushi,” Harry explained, illustrating Vidi’s unique taste.
Harry playfully described his family not as the ideal “Keluarga Cemara” (Cemara Family), a famous Indonesian TV show title signifying a harmonious family, but rather as “Keluarga Cemana” (How Family), reflecting their unique character and lively exuberance, even when celebrating Lebaran abroad. “Our family is quite funny; we’re not ‘Keluarga Cemara,’ we’re ‘Keluarga Cemana.’ We once performed Eid prayers together in London and celebrated Lebaran there, bringing ketupat with us. It was quite a challenge!” Harry Kiss added, highlighting their adventurous spirit and dedication to their traditions, no matter the location.
Regarding Vidi’s wife, Sheila Dara, Harry revealed that she remains in a profound state of mourning and is not yet ready to face many people. “Please don’t interview Sheila for now. She never wants to be disturbed when she’s in Cipete. She might still be in ‘mute mode’,” Harry disclosed, emphasizing the need for her privacy during this difficult time. He further added that there are currently no plans for a family gathering with Sheila during this year’s Lebaran celebrations. “Ah, exactly, no, not yet (a gathering),” Harry Kiss confirmed, respecting her ongoing process of grief.
Looking ahead, Harry’s focus is on beautifying the area around Vidi’s grave to provide more shade and comfort. He plans to plant trees there, ensuring that future visitors will not be exposed to the heat. “I really want a beautiful tree here. There used to be a palm tree, but it was cut down because it was considered messy. Yet, I wanted that tree to be there so it wouldn’t be hot. I will plant trees here later so it won’t be hot,” Harry Kiss concluded, expressing his thoughtful wish to create a serene and cool resting place for his son.
Summary
This year’s Idul Fitri marks the first for Vidi Aldiano’s family without him, a poignant occasion that left his parents, Harry Kiss and Besbarini, in deep sorrow during their visit to his grave. Harry particularly misses Vidi’s creative spirit, especially his role in conceptualizing unique themes for their annual family photo sessions, from Power Rangers to Avengers. He also reminisced about Vidi’s distinct culinary preferences, often requesting sushi instead of traditional Lebaran dishes during their family meals.
Harry Kiss mentioned that Vidi’s wife, Sheila Dara, is still in a profound state of mourning and requires privacy, leading to no immediate plans for a family gathering with her. He humorously described their adventurous family as “Keluarga Cemana,” recalling past Lebaran celebrations abroad, like in London, where they brought ketupat. Looking ahead, Harry plans to beautify Vidi’s resting place by planting trees to provide shade and comfort for visitors.