It was in the 1980s when Yoan Tanamal gained nationwide reputation as a promising child singer with her single, “Si Kodok”. This single was groundbreaking that every child in Indonesia was so familiar with it. Along with other young singers like Chicha Koeswoyo, Sari Koeswoyo, Adi Bing Slamet, Yoan Tanamal became a household name in the country.

Born Johana Maria Frances, she earned popularity and reputation due to parental linkage: high profile singer-actress Tanti Josepha and musician Enteng Tanamal. But after the death of her mother, Yoan found herself struggling with illegal drugs, even spending months in detention for her addiction.

Sharing her personal ups-and-down in life with Saint John’s high school students, Yoan Tanamal encouraged her audience to reflect on how great God has his own way of “touching” human beings for a better life. “God has molded me with His grace so that I could leave my past and start life a new with hope,” she said.

At present, Yoan Tanamal uses a wheelchair after suffering from a car accident. But this does not stop her from singing, playing her guitar, and sharing God’s forgiving love in front of the youngsters. “Say no to drugs, and rely only on God,” she told with a renewed sense of hope.

Words by Prilyani Pranaya
Photo credits: Dedi Purwono