Tantowi Yahya is an Indonesian presenter, country singer and entrepreneur.
Background
Tantowi was born in Palembang, South Sumatra in October 29, 1960 and native to the city. His father sold scrap plastic for living. At the age of 14, his father sent Tantowi to an English course, believing that it is necessary for his son"s success.
Their child, Muhammad Adjani Prasanna Yahya was born in 2001.
Career
He is most famous for hosting the Indonesian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Official Website
Tantowi released his first country single Gone, Gone, Gone by Rinto Harahap in 2000. This is followed by his first album Country Breeze, which sold for 300,000 copies.
His music success lead him to became host of "Country Road Special" music show in TVRI. He was dubbed as "the most popular country singer in Indonesia".
As a testament to his popularity Indonesian billionaire Peter F. Gontha asked Tantowi to sing at his daughter"s wedding alongside Celine Dion. He stated that country music is his "second religion".
Tantowi also owned cassette distribution and event organizer Ceepee Productions which organized the Indonesian Music Awards and the Panasonic Awards. In 2005, Tantowi visited the United States under a Multi-Nation Program by Eisenhower Fellowship.
While there he visited Nashville, center of country music industry.
As parliamentarian, Tantowi is placed on Commission I for Security and Foreign Affairs. In June 2013 Tantowi caused controversy when he visited Israel, as Indonesia does not formally recognized the state and does not have diplomatic relationship. FPI"s spokesman Munarman stated that Tantowi "ignored suffering of Palestinians" and stated that Tantowi should have visited Gaza instead.
In September 2013, in an interview by American Broadcasting Company, he publicly declared Indonesian"s opposition to Australia"s government policy on asylum seekers, which involved towing back asylum boats in international water back to Indonesian territory and paying Indonesian villager for information about people smuggling, calling it "illegal, offensive and an affront to democracy".
This statement is in line with statement of Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.
Politics
In 2009 election, Tantowi run for a seat of People"s Representative Council as delegates from Golkar Party.
Views
Quotations:
"ignored suffering of Palestinians".
Membership
Since 2009, Tantowi is also member of Indonesian parliament in People"s Representative Council from Golkar Party, representing South Sumatra.