The landscape of the Indonesian entertainment industry has seen many stars rise and fade, but few transitions have been as profound or as widely discussed as that of Peggy Melati Sukma. Once a household name synonymous with the vibrant energy of 1990s television, Peggy has undergone a radical metamorphosis that has taken her from the bright lights of Jakarta’s film sets to the serene, rugged pastures of New Zealand. As of July 18, 2026, the former actress has not only embraced a life of deep religious devotion but has also established herself as a significant figure in the agricultural and dawah (Islamic proselytizing) sectors abroad. Her journey serves as a definitive case study in the "hijrah" phenomenon—a movement where public figures pivot from secular careers toward strictly observant religious lifestyles—while simultaneously highlighting the global reach of the Indonesian diaspora.
The Making of a Cultural Icon: The 1990s and Early 2000s
Born in Cirebon, West Java, on June 13, 1976, Peggy Melati Sukma’s entry into the arts was fueled by a childhood passion for theater and performance. Her professional career began in earnest with the sinetron (television soap opera) Anakku Bukan Milikku, but it was her portrayal of Nyi Iteung in the legendary series Si Kabayan that catapulted her into the national consciousness. Nyi Iteung, a character deeply rooted in Sundanese folklore, required a blend of innocence and wit, which Peggy delivered with a charisma that resonated across demographics.
However, it was the late 1990s series Gerhana that truly cemented her status as a pop culture titan. In an era before social media, "viral" moments were created through television catchphrases, and Peggy’s high-pitched, comedic exclamation of "pusiiiiiiing" (dizzy/stressed) became a national meme. The character she played, also named Peggy, was a fashion-forward, energetic foil to the show’s supernatural protagonist. This period of her life was characterized by intense productivity; she was not merely an actress but a multifaceted entertainer. She released musical albums such as Aku Kangen Padamu (1998) and My Wish (2000) and became one of the most sought-after television presenters in the country. At her peak, Peggy Melati Sukma was the embodiment of the modern, successful Indonesian woman in the post-Suharto "Reformasi" era—glamorous, outspoken, and financially independent.
A Legacy of Advocacy: Beyond the Screen
While her entertainment career was thriving, Peggy was also building a reputation in the realms of social activism and international diplomacy. This facet of her life is often overshadowed by her acting credits, yet it provided the foundation for her eventual shift toward humanitarian work. In the early 2000s, she was frequently appointed as a representative for Indonesian interests on the global stage.
Her involvement with the United Nations (UN) was particularly noteworthy. Peggy served as a delegate in various forums addressing the protection of women and children, contributing to discussions on gender equality and social welfare. Her intellectual capacity and public speaking skills led to her being named an "Ambassador for Equality Education" and a "Technology Ambassador" by the Indonesian government. These roles demonstrated that even at the height of her fame, Peggy was concerned with issues of substance, navigating the complexities of international policy and social development. This period of her life reflected a bridge between her celebrity persona and a growing desire to contribute meaningfully to society, a trait that would later manifest in her religious mission.
The 2013 Pivot: The Beginning of the Hijrah
The year 2013 marked a definitive breaking point in Peggy’s life. Following a period of personal reflection and the conclusion of her marriage to businessman Wisnu Tjandra in 2011, she announced a total commitment to "hijrah." In the Islamic context, hijrah refers to a migration—not just physically, but spiritually—from a state of worldly preoccupation to one of religious submission.
Peggy began wearing the hijab, and later the niqab (face veil), a move that signaled her departure from the aesthetic demands of the entertainment industry. She adopted the name Khadijah, honoring the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, and began to systematically dismantle her career in the secular arts. While she made brief appearances in faith-based films like Tausiyah Cinta (2016) and 212 The Power of Love (2018), these were no longer for commercial gain but were intended as "dakwah through media."
Her daily life shifted from film sets to "majelis taklim" (religious study circles). She became a prolific author of inspirational Islamic books and a speaker who traveled not just across the Indonesian archipelago, but to the Middle East, Europe, and America. Her dawah focused heavily on humanitarian crises, particularly the plight of refugees in Palestine and Syria, utilizing her platform to raise significant funds for international aid.
A Union of Faith and Purpose: Marriage to Syekh Reza Abdul Jabbar
After spending eleven years as a divorcee, a period she often described as a time of "self-purification" and "waiting on God’s timing," Peggy’s personal life took a dramatic turn in January 2023. She married Syekh Reza Abdul Jabbar, a prominent figure in the global Muslim community and a successful businessman based in New Zealand.
The story of their union is often cited by their followers as a "miracle of taaruf" (the Islamic process of getting to know a potential spouse for marriage). Despite having heard of each other’s work in the dawah field years prior, they had never met in person. Syekh Reza, a widower following the passing of his first wife, Silvia, was looking for a partner who shared his vision for religious outreach. Their first meeting took place in Jakarta, and within a remarkably short period, they were married.
Syekh Reza Abdul Jabbar is himself a figure of considerable influence. An Indonesian national who moved to New Zealand in his youth, he is the imam of a mosque in Invercargill and the owner of a vast agricultural empire. His farms, which span thousands of hectares, are part of New Zealand’s high-output dairy and cattle industry. The marriage represented a merging of two influential platforms: Peggy’s massive Indonesian following and Reza’s established religious and economic infrastructure in New Zealand.
Life in New Zealand: Farming and Global Dawah
Today, Peggy Melati Sukma’s life is a far cry from the traffic-congested streets of Jakarta. Residing in the South Island of New Zealand, she has integrated into the lifestyle of a "juragan ternak" (cattle rancher). New Zealand’s agricultural sector is one of the most advanced in the world, contributing approximately 5% to the country’s GDP and accounting for the majority of its export goods. Managing a farm of this scale involves sophisticated logistics, knowledge of animal husbandry, and environmental stewardship—challenges that Peggy has reportedly embraced alongside her husband.
Observers of her new life note that she has transitioned from being a consumer of luxury to a producer in the primary sector. However, her commitment to dawah remains her primary focus. From her base in New Zealand, she continues to manage her foundation, Khadijatee Foundation, and uses digital platforms to reach millions of followers. Her content now often features the scenic backdrop of New Zealand’s pastures, blending spiritual reminders with glimpses of a quiet, disciplined life centered on family and faith.
Sociological Analysis: The Celebrity Hijrah Phenomenon
Peggy’s transformation is part of a broader sociological trend in Indonesia known as the "Celebrity Hijrah." Over the last decade, dozens of high-profile actors, musicians, and influencers have moved toward conservative Islamic practices. This shift has significant implications for Indonesian society:
- Redefining Success: Peggy’s move suggests a cultural shift where "success" is increasingly being redefined away from material wealth and fame toward spiritual peace and religious legacy.
- The Influence of the Diaspora: Her life in New Zealand highlights the role of the Indonesian diaspora in spreading cultural and religious values. As an Indonesian woman managing a farm in the West while maintaining her niqab, she challenges stereotypes about Muslim women’s roles in modern society.
- Economic Shift: The transition of celebrities into "halal" business ventures—such as Islamic fashion, herbal medicine, or, in Peggy’s case, international agriculture—shows the growing economic power of the "halal economy" in Indonesia.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As of July 2026, Peggy Melati Sukma appears to have found a sense of equilibrium that eluded her during the frantic years of her early stardom. Her journey from the "pusiiiiiiing" girl of the 90s to a niqab-wearing rancher and preacher in New Zealand is a testament to the fluidity of identity and the power of conviction.
While she is no longer a fixture of the infotainment industry, her influence has arguably grown deeper. She serves as a role model for a specific segment of the Indonesian population that seeks to balance modern global citizenship with traditional religious values. Whether she is tending to cattle on the windswept plains of the South Island or delivering a sermon to thousands via a livestream, Peggy Melati Sukma continues to be a formidable presence, proving that there is indeed life—rich, complex, and purposeful—after the curtain falls on a Hollywood-style career. Her story remains a compelling narrative of change, resilience, and the pursuit of a life lived on one’s own spiritual terms.
