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Meriam Bellina
Meriam Bellina
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Ellisa Meriam Bellina Maria Bamboe (born 10 April 1965),[1] or better known by her stage name as Meriam Bellina, is an Indonesian actress who has won three Citra Awards and acted in more than 50 films. Born and raised in Bandung, she dropped out of senior high school to begin a career as a model and actress. By the mid-1980s she was recognised as a "sex bomb" and "fantasy girl". During the 1990s she focused mostly on television series, but she has produced several feature films since 2007. She is known to have mixed Austrian and Bugis Bone blood.

Key Information

Biography

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Meriam was born in Bandung, West Java, on 10 April 1965. Born to G.H. Bamboe and Maria Theresia, she has five siblings, she is of mixed European, Buginese Sundanese descent. She initially wanted to become a stewardess for the airline Garuda Indonesia, but began acting, modelling, and singing while studying in Dago Catholic High School, Bandung.[2] She made her feature film debut in Perawan-perawan (1981) before rising to fame after starring as the titular character in Ami Priyono's 1982 film Roro Mendut, an adaptation of the traditional legend as told by Y. B. Mangunwijaya; after performing sexualised scenes with costar Mathias Muchus, she was dubbed Indonesia's sex bomb.[2][3][4] For Perkawinan 83, also released that year, Meriam found further critical claim.[3]

Owing to her increasingly busy schedule, Meriam dropped out of senior high school while in her second year in order to focus on her career.[3] During the 1980s she released several albums: Simfoni Rindu, Untuk Sebuah Nama and Belajar Menyanyi. These were often collaborations with Pance F. Pondaag.[2] Her films of this period often included steamy scenes; one, in Wim Umboh's Pengantin Pantai Biru, had her having sex while on a deserted island inhabited by savage natives.[5] Bruce Emond of The Jakarta Post later described her as "the fantasy girl come true for the movie-going public".[6]

Meriam had a surge of popularity again in 1987 after starring alongside Didi Petet in Catatan Si Boy.[2] Her films of this period included several romances and comedies, some featuring the troupe Warkop. In the 1990s she acted in several films, including Arifin C. Noer's Taksi.[7]

Following a decrease in proceeds from the domestic cinema, in the early 1990s Meriam began to focus on television series. She received an award for her role in the series Aku Mau Hidup in 1994; other series included Atas Nama Cinta dan Anakku (1995), Wanita (1996), and Bundaku Terpidana.[3] Between 1993 and 2006 she only acted in a single feature film, Kafir (2002).[7]

Beginning in 2007 Meriam returned to regular film production when she took a supporting role in Hanung Bramantyo's comedy Get Married portraying the main character Mae's mother.[8] This was followed by a series of comedies, including two sequels to Get Married (in 2009 and 2011) and the Raditya Dika-written film Cinta Brontosaurus.[7]

Personal life

[edit]

Meriam married fellow co-actor Adi Surya Abdi.[3] She has been divorced in marital relationships twice and, as of 2009, has two sons.[6] In March 2012 she reported her then-boyfriend, lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea, to the police for allegedly physically abusing her and harassing her through text messages and phone calls.[9] After several months of arguments and court struggles the case was settled: Meriam withdrew her report and Hutapea agreed to end their relationship and recant a statement that they had married in Las Vegas.[10]

Filmography

[edit]

As of 17 May 2013, Meriam has acted in 59 films.[7] During the early stages of her career she was not selective, acting in a variety of genres.[2]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Recipients Result
Indonesian Film Festival 1983 Citra Award for Best Leading Actress Perkawinan 83 Nominated
1984 Cinta Di Balik Noda Won
1985 Kabut Perkawinan Nominated
1986 Kulihat Cinta Di Matanya Nominated
1988 Tatkala Mimpi Berakhir Nominated
1990 Taksi Won
2007 Citra Award for Best Supporting Actress Get Married Won
2012 Test Pack Nominated

References

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Works cited

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Meriam Bellina (born Ellisa Meriam Bellina Maria Bamboe; April 10, 1965) is an Indonesian actress and singer renowned for her extensive career in film, television, and music. Born in , , she dropped out of senior high school to pursue modeling and acting, making her film debut in 1981's Perawan-perawan before rising to prominence with the 1982 drama Roro Mendut. By the mid-1980s, Bellina had established herself as a leading figure in Indonesian cinema, often celebrated for her bold and sensual portrayals that earned her the nickname "fantasy girl" of the era. Over her career, she has appeared in more than 50 films, earning three Citra Awards—the highest honor in Indonesian cinema—for her acting achievements. Notable roles include those in Taksi (1990), Get Married (2007), and Slank Nggak Ada Matinya (2013), showcasing her versatility from dramatic leads to supporting characters in and music-themed stories. In the , she transitioned primarily to television series while continuing occasional film work. Since 2007, Bellina has expanded into film production, contributing to several feature projects. Parallel to her acting, she launched a music career in the early , releasing pop albums such as Symphoni Rindu (1983), Untuk Sebuah Nama (1984), and compilations like Lagu Lagu Terbaik & Top Hits Meriam Bellina (1991), with hits including "One Day At A Time" and "Kerinduan."

Early life

Birth and family

Meriam Bellina was born Ellisa Meriam Bellina Maria Bamboe on April 10, 1965, in , , . She is the fifth of six children of G.H. Bamboe and Maria Theresia, whose union reflected 's colonial through mixed ethnic backgrounds. Her father, of Makassarese, Javanese, and German descent, was a doctor known for making prosthetic limbs, while her mother was of Dutch and Sundanese descent. This blended Indonesian-European heritage contributed to her distinctive appearance, often portraying her as an "exotic" figure in Indonesian cinema during her early career, enhancing her appeal in roles that highlighted cultural fusion. The family's multicultural environment in influenced her formative years, fostering a sense of adaptability that later defined her versatile public persona. The family lived in the United States for a period during her childhood owing to her father's profession, returning to after she completed junior high school.

Education

Meriam Bellina attended SMA Kristen Dago, a prominent high school in , , during her . She progressed through the up to the 11th grade but ultimately decided to drop out, forgoing completion of her . This early termination of formal schooling marked a pivotal shift in her path, as she sought alternative vocational pursuits amid personal and familial considerations. Initially, Bellina aspired to train as a with , a goal that aligned with her interests in and service-oriented professions. However, her departure from school prevented her from fulfilling these requirements, prompting a redirection toward creative fields. This aspiration indirectly influenced her initial foray into modeling, where her poise and appearance suited the demands of photo and fashion work, serving as an entry point to the broader entertainment sector.

Career

Beginnings and breakthrough

Meriam Bellina entered the entertainment industry at the age of 15, signing with a modeling agency in 1980 and quickly gaining visibility through magazine covers and advertisements. Her early modeling work capitalized on her striking beauty and mixed heritage, laying the foundation for her transition into acting. Bellina made her film debut in 1981 with a minor role as Poppy in Perawan-Perawan, directed by Ida Farida, marking her entry into Indonesian cinema as a teenager. The film, set in a high school dormitory, introduced her to audiences amid the vibrant New Order-era film scene. She rose to prominence with the lead role in the 1982 drama Roro Mendut, where she performed daring undress scenes as the titular character, drawing both acclaim and controversy for their intensity. Her breakthrough continued in 1983 with the lead in Perkawinan 83, a drama exploring marital dynamics, which showcased her dramatic range and earned her first nomination for at the (FFI). This recognition propelled her from supporting parts to starring status. In the early , Bellina built a reputation for bold, sensual portrayals that challenged conventions, leading to her being labeled "Bom Seks ". Director Arifin C. Noer, impressed by her commanding screen presence, coined the "Magma Perfilman " to describe her as a volcanic force revitalizing the industry. By 1985, she had starred in approximately 20 films, including Pengantin Pantai Biru (1983) and Cinta di Balik Noda (1984), establishing her as one of 's leading actresses of the era.

Film and television work

Meriam Bellina rose to prominence in the through her roles in erotic dramas that showcased her as a leading actress in Indonesian cinema. Her performances in films like Roro Mendut (1982) and Perkawinan 83 (1983) marked her early breakthrough, followed by the Citra Award for in Cinta di Balik Noda (), where she portrayed a complex character in a story of love and societal stigma, at the age of 19. This win marked her as one of the youngest recipients in the award's history. She continued with prominent roles in the Catatan Si Boy series (1987–1990), playing Vera, the resilient partner in a exploring urban youth and relationships, which solidified her status during the decade's film boom. Her work in these films highlighted her ability to blend sensuality with emotional depth, contributing to over 50 films in her career. In the 1990s, Bellina earned another Citra Award for for her role in (1990) before transitioning primarily to television amid shifting industry dynamics, including the rise of sinetron formats that favored serialized storytelling over feature films. She starred in Aku Mau Hidup (1994), a addressing struggles and family bonds, for which she received the Vidia Award for . This period saw her reduce film appearances as she adapted to TV's episodic structure, focusing on roles that emphasized dramatic intensity and social issues. Her television output during this era underscored her versatility, moving from cinematic sensuality to relatable domestic narratives. Bellina experienced a revival in the 2000s with comedic and family-oriented roles that broadened her appeal. In the Get Married series (), she played Mae's mother, a humorous yet authoritative figure in stories of and matrimony, earning a Citra Award for Best Supporting Actress in the first installment. Since , she has also expanded into , contributing to several feature projects. Her performance in Test Pack (2010), where she depicted a mother's emotional journey through unexpected pregnancy, garnered a Citra nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her shift toward character-driven ensemble pieces. These roles demonstrated her evolution from early dramatic leads to multifaceted supporting parts in lighter genres. Entering the 2010s and 2020s, Bellina took on supporting roles that reflected her established status as a character actress. She appeared in Slank Nggak Ada Matinya (2013), a biographical music drama, contributing to its portrayal of rock band dynamics. On television, she featured in Pernikahan Dini (2001), playing a maternal figure in a tale of youthful romance and family pressures, and later in the Anak Jalanan series (2015–2019) as Cathy, adapting to modern serialized formats with themes of street life and resilience. Recent film work includes Gampang Cuan (2023), a comedy on quick-money schemes, Dasim (2025), and Tukar Takdir (2025), with upcoming project Keluarga Suami Adalah Hama (2026), where she portrays a meddlesome in-law in a story of marital strains. This phase emphasizes her enduring adaptability across genres and media.

Music career

Meriam Bellina launched her music career in 1983 with the release of her debut Symphoni Rindu, featuring the title track as her first single, which was strategically tied to promoting her early endeavors. The , produced under a major Indonesian label, marked her entry into the scene and quickly gained popularity among fans of her on-screen presence. Throughout the 1980s, Bellina released a series of albums that solidified her as a crossover , including Untuk Sebuah Nama (1984), Kerinduan (1985, an original motion picture ), Begitu Indah (1986), Mulanya Biasa Saja (1987), and Aku Percaya (1988). Her style centered on pop ballads with romantic and emotional themes, often echoing the sentimental narratives of her film characters. She also issued singles such as "Jangan Pernah Ragukan" (1988), which highlighted her vocal range in slow, heartfelt compositions. Bellina frequently collaborated on film soundtracks, contributing songs like "Kata Hati" to the 1989 movie Namaku Joe and the full album Asmara (1993) as the soundtrack for the eponymous 1992 film. These efforts blended her acting and musical talents, with tracks composed by notable Indonesian figures such as Pance Pondaag. Into the 1990s, her releases tapered off to sporadic singles and television performances, such as covers and guest appearances, though music remained secondary to her acting post-2000. In total, her discography comprises approximately eight studio albums and over a dozen singles, leveraging her celebrity for broad appeal in Indonesia's entertainment landscape.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Meriam Bellina's first marriage was to businessman Ferry Anggriawan in 1987, which lasted until their divorce in 1990. She remarried in 1991 to Adisoerya Abdy, a union that produced two sons, Nigel Philo Abdy (born 1992) and Abel Poetra Abdy (born 1995), before ending in divorce in 2001. Following her second , Bellina raised her sons as a single mother, emphasizing their ; both Nigel Philo Abdy and Abel Poetra Abdy have pursued entrepreneurial careers outside the industry. Bellina, a practicing Catholic, has noted that her faith shapes her , fostering a close-knit dynamic with her children, though she maintains limited public disclosure about any current romantic relationships. In 2009, Meriam Bellina reported experiencing by lawyer , beginning on April 10—her birthday—with multiple incidents involving being slammed and repeatedly slapped, resulting in a broken nose, bleeding from her right ear, and subsequent ongoing health complications. The abuse was accompanied by persistent through text messages and phone calls extending into 2012. She filed a formal against him for and indecent acts with the Metropolitan Police on March 28, 2012. The case was resolved out of through a agreement signed on April 26, 2012, and publicly announced on April 30, 2012, at a hotel in Senayan, , where both parties agreed to withdraw the report. Bellina cited her lingering affection for Hutapea as a key reason for the settlement, emphasizing a desire to end the conflict amicably. On November 25, 2024, Bellina suffered a heart attack while sleeping, initially mistaking symptoms such as , cold sweats, chest burning, tightness, and difficulty breathing for a gastrointestinal issue like GERD. She arrived at the emergency room around 11 p.m., received initial stomach medication, but her condition worsened, leading to an EKG at 3 a.m. that confirmed the cardiac event; a subsequent revealed arterial narrowing and a clot, which was removed during immediate treatment. Although early reports in February 2025 indicated no need for ring placement or , Bellina later underwent ring installation surgery in early April 2025 at a specialized heart hospital to address the narrowing. By April 2025, she reported feeling lighter in the chest but limited in activities due to lingering anxiety, with full recovery progressing steadily. Bellina shared her experience publicly on April 7, 2025, during a television appearance on FYP , to raise awareness about heart attack symptoms, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the importance of prompt medical attention despite a healthy lifestyle. Her sons, Abel Poetra Abdy and Nigel Philo Abdy, provided crucial support during the ordeal, with Abel expressing frustration over diagnostic delays and Nigel highlighting her prior active routine. As a devout Catholic, Bellina has credited her faith, alongside family encouragement and prayers from fans, for bolstering her resilience in recovery. No further significant or legal incidents have been reported as of November 2025.

Filmography

Films

Meriam Bellina has appeared in over 50 feature films, debuting in 1981 and continuing into 2025. Her roles range from leading parts in her early career to supporting characters in later works.
YearTitleRole
1981Perawan-PerawanPoppy
1981Koboi Sutra UnguDenok
1982Neraca KasihEsti
1982Roro MendutRoro Mendut
1982Dongkrak AntikSri Anunia
1983Sorga Dunia di Pintu NerakaYanti
1983Senjata Rahasia NonaVivi
1983Bumi Bulat BundarHedy
1983Pengantin Pantai BiruEmi
1984Titik-Titik NodaTini
1984Kerikil-Kerikil TajamWaty
1984Dia yang TercintaLestari
1984Bercinta dalam BadaiLia
1984Pelangi di Balik AwanMira
1984Cinta di Balik NodaAtika
1984Permata BiruEuis
1984Kabut PerkawinanSiska
1984Susana-Susana Buktikan Cintamu
1985Kulihat Cinta di MatanyaAtika
1985Romantika (Galau Remaja di SMA)Atiek
1985Tak Ingin SendiriTika
1985Untuk Sebuah NamaMerry
1986Ketika Musim Semi TibaVivienne
1987Catatan si BoyVera
1987Makin Lama Makin AsyikErna
1987Tatkala Mimpi BerakhirNisia
1987Selamat Tinggal JeanetteJeanette
1988Namaku ... JoePinky
1988Catatan Si Boy IIVera
1988Bayar Tapi NyicilVina
1989Catatan Si Boy IIIVera
1989Bercinta dalam MimpiKesti
1989Si Kabayan dan Gadis KotaInge
1989Joe Turun ke DesaPinky
1990TaksiDesi
1990WanitaLisa
1990Boneka dari IndianaEya
1990Sejak Cinta DiciptakanLia
1990Catatan si Boy IVVera
1990Nona Manis
1991Taksi JugaDesi
1991Saat Kukatakan CintaAnggun
1991Peluk Daku dan LepaskanTika
1991Bukan MainPoppy
1991Bernafas dalam LumpurSupinah/Yanti
1992AsmaraBellina
2002KafirSyariah
2007Get MarriedBu Mardi
2008Basahhh...Oma Dasima
2008TulalitMeri
2009XXL: Double Extra LargeEntin
2009Get Married 2Bu Mardi
2010Love and EdelweissKania (mama Ryo)
2010Kabayan Jadi MilyunerAmbu
2011Get Married 3Bu Mardi
2012Test PackIbu Sutoyo
2012Broken Hearts
2013Cinta BrontosaurusMama Jessica
2013HoneymoonIbunda David
2013Get M4rriedBu Mardi
2013Slank Nggak Ada MatinyaBunda Iffet
2014Bajaj Bajuri The MovieEmak
2014Kukejar Cinta ke Negeri CinaIbu Imam
2015HijabMama Anin
2015Air & ApiDosen
2015Bulan di Atas KuburanIbu Hebring
201599% Muhrim: Get Married 5Bu Mardi
2015Magic HourMama Flora
2016Jagoan InstanRatu Gelondongan
2017Iqro: Petualangan Meraih Bintang
2017Jembatan PensilFarida
2017Surat Cinta Untuk Starla the MovieGladys
2018Benyamin Biang KerokNyak Mami
2018ELMama Abahay
2018Insya Allah Sah 2
2018Dimsum MartabakIbunda Mona
2018Sultan Agung: Tahta, Perjuangan, CintaGusti Ratu Tulung Ayu
2020Benyamin Biang Kerok 2Nyak Mami
2020JaninSukma
2022Madu Murni
2023Catatan Si BoyVera's mother
2023Gampang Cuan
2024Cinta Tak Pernah Tepat WaktuAunty
2024Dul Muluk Dul MalikDulmalik Ning Mas
2024Till Then, Hanna!Mami Hanna
2025Agape: The Unconditional LoveMartha
2025Broken Wings 2: OliviaIndri
2025DasimLastri
2025Keluarga Suami Adalah HamaMertua
2025Tukar TakdirShinta

Television

Meriam Bellina transitioned to television in the amid a decline in the local , becoming a staple in sinetron with roles often depicting complex maternal figures, antagonists, or resilient women facing personal hardships. Her television debut marked a pivotal shift, leading to over 70 sinetron appearances, alongside FTV and sitkom, where she frequently portrayed characters driving dramatic family narratives. This focus on TV solidified her status as a versatile actress, with major arcs emphasizing themes of sacrifice, conflict, and redemption, such as her possessive mother in Pernikahan Dini, contributing to the series' high ratings and cultural impact on discussions of early marriage in . Bellina's guest appearances include variety shows like Ini Talkshow, where she discussed her career and acting techniques, as well as specials and advertisements promoting health awareness and family products. These spots highlighted her off-screen charisma, often blending humor with personal anecdotes from her sinetron experiences. The following table lists selected sinetron and series roles in chronological order, representing key phases of her television career:
YearTitleRoleNetwork
1994Aku Mau HidupLead role (cancer patient)N/A
2001–2002Pernikahan DiniBu Sudrajat (possessive mother in major family conflict arc)RCTI
2006–2007Putri yang TerbuangAstiRCTI
2008Upik Abu dan LauraMary / MirnaRCTI
2015–2019Anak JalananCathyRCTI
2019–2021Samudra CintaLila (maid in misery arc)SCTV

Awards and nominations

Meriam Bellina has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including three Citra Awards from the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), the highest honor in Indonesian cinema.

Citra Awards

YearCategoryFilmResult
1983Best ActressPerkawinan 83Nominated
1984Best ActressCinta di Balik NodaWon
1985Best ActressKabut PerkawinanNominated
1986Best ActressKulihat Cinta di MatanyaNominated
1988Best ActressTatkala Mimpi BerakhirNominated
1990Best ActressTaksiWon
2007Best Supporting ActressGet MarriedWon
2012Best Supporting ActressTest PackNominated

Other awards

YearAwardCategoryFilmResult
2008Indonesian Movie AwardsBest Supporting ActressGet MarriedNominated
2013Indonesian Movie AwardsBest Supporting ActressTest PackNominated
2012Maya AwardsBest Actress in a Supporting RoleTest PackNominated
2014Indonesian Movie AwardsSlank Nggak Ada MatinyaNominated
2014Maya AwardsBest Actress in a Supporting RoleSlank Nggak Ada MatinyaWon
2014Festival Film Jury Prize for Best Supporting ActressSlank Nggak Ada MatinyaWon

References

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