From confronting harsh truths on screen to standing up for what matters off it, Chicco Jerikho doesn’t just carry roles—he carries a deeper purpose

Chicco Jerikho by Ikmal Afwar for DAMAN August 2025 001.jpg — Pants by Prada; bracelets by John Hardy; watch by Grand Seiko

Chicco Jerikho enters 2025 with more than just scripts and screen time—he carries a mission. In his latest film, he inhabits a harrowing role inspired by Mario Dandy, the real-life figure at the center of one of Indonesia’s most disturbing abuse cases in recent memory. It’s a performance that demands not just emotional depth but also moral reckoning, forcing Chicco to grapple with profound themes such as power, violence and accountability.

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But acting is only one part of his path. Away from the camera, Chicco lends his voice to WWF Indonesia, championing the protection of endangered elephants and the forests they call home. It’s a fight for survival grounded in sustainability, reverence for nature and a sense of responsibility that spans generations.

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And then there’s his most personal role: father to a young daughter. In her eyes, he sees the future he’s trying to protect. “Everything I do now is for her,” he says. That includes the causes he supports, the stories he chooses and the way he moves through an increasingly uncertain world. For Chicco, purpose isn’t a slogan—it’s a responsibility. One that grows heavier, deeper and more vital with every choice he makes.

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DAMAN: Hi, Chicco! Your latest movie, “Ozora: Penganiayaan Brutal Penguasa Jaksel,” has just wrapped. It sounds like a powerful story. What can you share about it without giving too much away?
Chicco Jerikho: Yes, this is my most recent project. It’s based on the true story of David Ozora. I play his father. The story follows a father and son who endure a traumatic experience. His son is violently assaulted, left in a coma and given only a two percent chance of survival. The father turns to faith, surrenders to a higher power and witnesses a miracle—his son’s recovery. The film is about that emotional and spiritual journey. Since it’s based on real events, it was incredibly emotional to work on.

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DA: Your character seems emotionally intense. How did you prepare for the role?
CJ: I’m a father myself, but I’ve never taken on a role like this. It was tough. I could really feel what it’s like to be a parent pushed to the edge. The emotional weight was immense. Even though I had followed the case in the news, stepping into the father’s shoes really hit me hard. Imagine your child being beaten within an inch of their life. You feel rage, but you also need to focus on healing. That’s what the father does.

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DA: Were there moments during filming when the script’s message resonated with you personally?
CJ: Definitely. Fatherhood gave me a lot to draw from. You learn to be patient, to listen. Being present with your child teaches you to value emotional connection. That’s one of the reasons why I took the role—the father-son relationship felt incredibly real to me.

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DA: What makes this film stand out from other Indonesian productions?
CJ: What makes it special is that Jonathan, the real-life father I portray, is one of the producers. He was on set throughout the writing and filming process, helping us get the story right. One of the original videos from the incident went viral, and we recreated it exactly. We were committed to telling the story in a truthful manner.

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DA: What message do you hope audiences take away?
CJ: That we’re responsible for our actions. You can’t just hide from consequences. No matter how clever you are, the truth will come out—that’s people power. The film also explores the father’s inner struggle, how he manages his anger and focuses on healing. It would’ve been easy to lash out and seek revenge, but that solves nothing. Violence only leads to more violence.

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DA: On a personal note, how do you balance filming with family life?
CJ: When I’m working, I give it my full attention. When I’m with my family, I disconnect completely. No phones. It’s not about quantity but quality. Whether I’m dropping off or picking up my child from school or just spending time together—that’s where my focus is.

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DA: What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?
CJ: To speak less and listen more. Parents tend to talk a lot, to give advice. But I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to just listen. Kids feel things deeply, too. That sensitivity helps me as an actor as well. Acting is all about reacting and connecting with others. It’s all related.

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DA: What’s one lesson from your upbringing you hope to pass on to your child?
CJ: I always try to teach my child to care—not just about people but the world around them. As humans, we’re at the top of the chain. We have the power to speak up for those who can’t. That’s why I support conservation efforts.

My child sometimes asks, “Why are you going to Jambi, Dad? Or Aceh?” And I explain that I’m visiting elephant habitats. I’m one of WWF’s elephant warriors. I show them photos of their homes—though sadly, those habitats are shrinking due to human development. We have a duty to protect them, if only by staying informed and aware.

I’ve become more cautious now, sometimes even fearful. There’s so much negativity out there—bullying in school, digital overload, all of it. I worry about the world my child is growing up in. That’s why I try to be present, to guide them through it. The time that we can spend together is simply irreplaceable.

Whether it’s me or my wife, that presence is vital. Kids will always ask questions about what they see and experience. I always remind my daughter: believe in yourself, stay true to who you are and never be afraid to chase what you love.

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DA: Your work with WWF Indonesia is inspiring. What sparked your passion for conservation?
CJ: It began with elephants. As my career developed, I felt called to give back—to use my platform to speak for the voiceless: the forest, the wildlife, the elephants.

After each project, I look for ways to support conservation. I work closely with the WWF and fellow conservationists. Right now, we’re building a wildlife corridor in Aceh for elephants. But it’s also about the forest itself. Without the forest, there’s no habitat.

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DA: How do you reconcile the emotional weight of this work with staying hopeful?
CJ: I’ve always been curious about what drives people—why they do what they do. As actors, we build characters by understanding motivation. That same curiosity guides my conservation work.

When I’m in the field, I observe how people live alongside nature. It’s intense, sometimes even dangerous—you’re in places where elephants or tigers might pass by. But amid all the noise of modern life, we can’t lose sight of what matters most: the climate. We have to protect it. We have to protect the forest so biodiversity can thrive, and we can continue living in balance with it.

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DA: Have there been any field moments that deepened your already considerable commitment to environmental protection?
CJ: Even before WWF, I was part of a TV program that took me to remote parts of Indonesia. I stayed with indigenous communities, and I learned a lot.

Every region has its own traditions, and that’s part of our heritage. I saw how they protect their forests through customary laws. Most recently, through my project Berbagi Ruang, I visited the Dayak people in Kalimantan and stayed in a longhouse. It was incredible to see how they preserve their ancestral land. They deserve support so their voices are heard. We can’t let their knowledge or their forests disappear.

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DA: How do you hope your platform as an actor amplifies your conservation impact?
CJ: We can’t tackle global issues alone. It’s not just the government’s job or an NGO’s responsibility—it’s everyone’s. We all share this planet.

Whenever a climate issue comes up, I think about the future. What kind of Earth will my daughter inherit? What can I do today to help? What should we all be doing differently?

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DA: Final question. You’re an actor, an advocate—what’s next?
CJ: Recently, I’ve been exploring music. I’m not a singer—I’m just an actor who wants to use music as a form of expression.

Robi Navicula invited me to join “Sonic/Panic,” a climate music workshop. I’m joining the 2025 edition in Bali. It’s a week of discussions and creative sessions focused on the environment. Around 13 or 14 musicians will participate. At the end of the week, each one will create something inspired by what they’ve learned.

I think that’s powerful. Music communicates differently. It’s not just about social media. It can reach across generations. To engage Gen Z today, it has to be cool—it has to catch their attention. Like, “Whoa, what’s this about?” As for the result? Just wait and see. It’ll blow everyone’s mind.

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Photography Ikmal Afwar
Creative Director & Styling Brad Homes
Photography Assistance Muhammad Ricky Safarullah
Styling Assistance Isabella Harahap and Vanessa Yofania
Makeup Ryan Ogilvy
Hair Iwan Taufik

Chicco Jerikho is DAMAN’s August/September 2025 cover star

Brad Homes,

chicco jerikho,

IKMAL AFWAR,

isabella harahap,

Iwan Taufik,

Muhammad Ricky Safarullah,

Ryan Ogilvy,

Vanessa Yofania