Echa Soemantri: Playing Music to Serve God

When talking about the best young drummer in Indonesia and are well known among musicians, the name that is considered in the top-of mind is probably Isaiah Wilander Soemantri, or who is familiarly known by Echa Soemantri. His cool character and at the same time energetic while playing drums, become the famous characteristic of Echa Soemantri. His name is also known as the accompaniment of famous musicians in Indonesia such as Glenn Fredly, Rio Febrian, Tompi, Vidi Aldiano, Yovie & The Nuno, Ello, Base Jam, Trisum, Erwin Gutawa Orchestra and Oni & Friends in the show Idola Cilik. Aside from working in secular music, Echa also has a spiritual band called YES !.

Behind the fame, Echa was a student of UPH?s  Faculty of Music class of 2013. He?s very friendly and love to joke around. In the midst of the photo session, Echa told us his experience during his college in UPH.

Echa said his ‘shallow reason’ for choosing to study at UPH, “According to me, UPH is cool. I am proud to go to college in UPH, which has a good reputation. From the social good, university centered in the Lord Jesus to Non Smoking Campus. Anyway it’s all about the positive side of UPH “, said Echa.

When asked why Echa entered the Faculty of Music, he replied with a smile, “I think this is the most appropriate department to me. If I took other majors, I need more effort and a little more would be hard to split time with work outside the campus.My parents was showing support from the beginning. “In UPH Faculty of Music, Echa also have friends which later decided to create a band called Echa Soemantri and Friends.

Echa admitted UPH provides many new knowledge even though he had long been doing business in the music. Since studying at UPH, Echa become more fluent in reading notes. Unlike other universities, UPH is also very helpful for Echa to get closer to God because of the atmosphere and the campus that supports his strong faith.

Perhaps many are wondering ‘Why would Echa Soemantri go to college again?’. This is the answer of his ?main reason? why he chose to study at UPH?s Faculty of Music, “When I was entering UPH, the Lord gave inspiration to me in a way that I percieved college not as a way to spend money but to give positive inspiration to other. “explained Echa.

The son of renowned musicians, Willy Soemantri and Febi Kariko, also share the principle that is always held during the college is from Colossians 3: 23, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”. This verse always reminds Echa to remember the ultimate goal when he chose to go to college, keep his spirit and greatly enjoyed periods of college education. (ca/cha)

UPH Media Relations