Stevans Nugraha Kaligis, well known as Steven or Tpenk, the charismatic frontman and the motor of the music unit Coconuttreez (formerly Steven & Coconuttreez) and Steven Jam, passed away on June 22, 2021 in Jakarta. This figure, who was born in 1975, made  history as one of the foundations for the growth and development of Indonesian reggae music into the national music industry. His energy of reggae in the country is so massive.

“Steven (has) been suffering from a chronic disease for a long time that requires special treatment and his condition is stable. However, the virus that is beating the world today, had infected him. Which made his old illness worse.” Said Rival, (bass player for Coconuttreez) who at the time the information video was published was with Tege (guitarist for Coconuttreez) who announced this sad news first. Now, Steven is reunited with two of his friends who were once members of Steven & Coconuttreez, Teddy “Opa” Wardhana and Aray Daulay.

Several colleagues of Steven shared good good memories of him. One of them is Jimmy Pitstop, as seen in the posts on his social media. He tells the story of Steven wanting to make reggae music for the first time. Also a flashback to Steven & Coconuttreez’s first album, from the process of writing the lyrics to the artwork. In fact, he also gives deep respect for Steven’s great passion in reggae music through the unforgettable story behind the making of cover for the powerful compilation album “Indonesia Reggae Revolution”. An album that became one of Steven’s legacy in making the country’s reggae scene grow big.

Heruwa, the charming singer from Shaggydog, tells about Steven to him, “We got along very well when he invited me to hang out on Jalan Jaksa (one of the biggest melting pot of the reggae scene in Jakarta). We are close because we share and have friends in the same circle, especially those outside Jakarta. And he’s really friendly and easy going”. Heruwa and Steven collaborated on a single “We’ll Find a Way”. “Actually, the recording process has been done since a long time ago, spontaneously done at studio 267, Jakarta,” concluded Heruwa, ended the story about the song that appears on Steven Jam’s second album “Penawar Rindu”.

One that sticks with Steven is, he is so down to earth, and so supportive to the many figures who come to him. Not only in the Jamaican Sound scene in Indonesia, he is also remembered as a fun person. This was stated by the legendary singer Bagus Dhanar Dhana from the alternative punk rock trio, NTRL (formerly Netral), recalling the moment of the first time he met Steven, “I knew him when he was still with Scope. Coincidentally, we were together with Aray Daulay and Ipang who were still together with Plastik (band) at that time. We were a roster from the same label, Indosemar Sakti. We used to chat and mingle between recording sessions in the studio at Jelambar. (Steven) is a cool person to me, low profile and easy to talk to about anything.”

Steven really gave a big influence on reggae music in Indonesia. A few moments ago, Steven shared his energy in the “Hip Hop Reggae Connection” program, produced by Sekar Project. Steven made a special appearance with Tuan Tigabelas. A rapper publicly known as “Sumatran Tiger”, whose real name is Upi shared his experience, “From the time when he was with Scope, then Steven & Coconuttreez, his works helped shape the musicality I am today, until finally I was able to meet face-to-face and chat  with him in a program initiated by the Sekar Project. A person as big as him is so humble, he even invited me to chat and give some inputs, (it) is a valuable lesson that I will never forget until now.”

The grief over Steven’s passing was so great, the loss so deep. From Jayapura to Surabaya, “Trully Kawan” and “Kawanan” (two names for fans of Coconuttreez & Steven Jam) also paid tribute to Steven in various programs with the theme “Tribute to Steven Nugraha Kaligis”.

“Berangkatlah dengan tenang
Bawa sebersit senyuman
Doa kupanjatkan, Selamat jalan kawan”
Steven & Coconuttreez – “Selamat Jalan”.

Steven is gone, and left us mourning, but his work will live forever, his legacy . Rest in Paradise, “Bang Bro Tpenk”. Above all, in the name of your word, sound and power, WE OWE YOU A BULLET!

“Kultur Special Playlist: Tribute to Steven N Kaligis”

(Text:Keyko, Editor;Sam)