Elvy Sukaesih

Else Sukaesih (born 25 June 1951), is an Indonesian dangdut singer and actress who has been dubbed the "Queen of Dangdut".

Early life

Elvy Sukaesih was born Else Sukaesih on 25 June 1951 in Jakarta, Indonesia, to parents of Sumedang descent. Her musical talent was inherited from her father, Muhamad Ali, who was a musician. She began singing in the third grade of elementary school and often accompanied her father to perform at wedding ceremonies in West Java. When she was 13 years old, her father asked her to perform solo on stage; she was successful in her first performance and began focusing on singing. In October 2025, at the age of 74, she performed at the Synchronize Fest in Jakarta, reuniting with the Japanese ska band Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra after 29 years. The duo had first performed together in Tokyo in 1996. During the 2025 performance, she sang "Bisik-bisik Tetangga", along with other hits like "Pengobat Rindu", "Gula-gula", "Kereta Malam", "Sekuntum Mawar Merah", and "Kopi Dangdut".

Acting career

In addition to singing, Sukaesih has appeared in numerous Indonesian films. Her filmography includes Tiada Seindah Cintamu (1977), Jalal Kojak Palsu (1977), Assoy (1977), Goyang Sampai Tua (1978), Cubit-cubitan (1979), Kisah Cinta Rojali dan Zuleha (1979), Irama Cinta (1980), Gaya Merayu (1980), Senggol-senggolan (1980), Mandi Madu (1986), and Hantu Biang Kerok (2009).

Personal life

Sukaesih married Zaidun Zeidh Abu Bakar Jindan in 1965 at the age of 14. They had six children: Haedar, Fitria, Ali Zaenal Abidin, Syechans, Wirdha Sylvina, and Dhawiya Zaida. Her husband died of a heart attack in 2002. Her daughter Dhawiya Zaida followed in her footsteps and became an actress.

Awards and recognition

AMI Award for Best Female Dangdut Solo Artist (2005) Golden Achievement Award – Spirit Cultural Asean Community from the Sultanates of Johor and Kelantan (2015) Lifetime Achievement Award – SCTV Music Awards (2016)

Discography

Selected solo albums Cubit Cubitan Colak-colek Tidak Tahan Pesta Panen Bisikan Kasih Nasib Janda Elvy Sukaesih Vol. 2 Cincin Kepalsuan Bisik-bisik Tetangga Gula-gula

With OM Soneta Ratu dan Radja (1975, with Rhoma Irama)

Filmography

Tiada Seindah Cintamu (1977) Jalal Kojak Palsu (1977) Assoy (1977) Penasaran (1977) Betty Bencong Slebor (1978) Tuyul (1978) Goyang Sampai Tua (1978) Mana Tahaaan... (1979) Cubit-cubitan (1979) Kisah Cinta Rojali dan Zuleha (1979) Kerinduan (1979) Irama Cinta (1980) Gaya Merayu (1980) Senggol-senggolan (1980) Mandi Madu (1986) Hantu Biang Kerok (2009)