Mohamad Mochtar

Mohamad Mochtar was an Indonesian film actor who was active from 1939 until his death in 1981. He was known for his roles as a hero and adventurer, often performing his own stunts. He was dubbed the "Tarzan of Java" for his role in Alang-Alang (1939), where he played a man who fought bandits in the jungle with his lover. He starred in several other films with his co-star Hadidjah, forming a popular on-screen couple. He also appeared in films for Action Films, a subsidiary of Java Industrial Film, where he showcased his skills in martial arts and silat. He became one of the most famous actors in the Dutch East Indies, and later in Indonesia. During the Japanese occupation, he became a Heiho, a native soldier for the Japanese forces, and acted in propaganda films. After the independence of Indonesia, he resumed his film career and made his first film Bengawan Solo in 1949. He acted in various films in the 1950s, and also worked as a cinematographer on two films. He left the industry in 1957 and tried to work in other fields, but returned to film in 1967. He won a Citra Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Menjusuri Djedjak Berdarah (1967). He continued to act in supporting roles until his death in 1981. He received a special award, the Pikiran Rakyat Trophy, for his lengthy career at the 1979 Indonesian Film Festival.