Ochi’s sudden announcement

You have probably heard the news by now but JKT48’s 1st Generation member, Neneng Rosediana (Ochi) has indicated her decision to retire from JKT48 activities.

***Update: As of 7pm Jakarta time today, all of Ochi withdrawal-related tweets have been deleted. As of now, we are left standing in wait for an official announcement by JKT48 management. 

However, to see the series of events leading up to this…

She tweeted about it at approximately 12pm Jakarta time today:

Translation (Top):

“Good afternoon everyone. I have withdrawn myself from JKT48. I ask for your forgiveness for not being able to continue further in JKT48. I also ask for your forgiveness for my past mistakes.”

“Thank you for all of your support till now. I love all of you. Millions of thank yous from me to all of you.”

This was followed by a string of tweets from other members both in surprise, and in support for her decision.

A couple of selected tweet translations from the members:

Frieska: ochiiiiiiiiiiiii :'( (and also) “What will happen to bechi now?”

Sendy: goodluck love :* iloveyou.

Stella: In essence, everyone may choose what’s the best for their life even its hurt..so keep fighting and we will miss you

Sonya: ochiii :’) we love u so much

Ayana: Ochiiiiiiiiiii:((

Mova: We love you, ci.. @ochiJKT48 :’) 

Kinal: neneng ochi♥♥♥ my beloved sister :(:(:( love all of you!!!!!!! :(((((｡ﾟ(ﾟ´Д｀ﾟ)ﾟ I am able to support your decision because I know you have thought about it thoroughly Wishing you success ochi we love you !!!!

Ve: Aduuuh @ochijkt48 why so sudden? We love you, we always support you no matter what ! I love Ochiiii !!!! Even though I am not prepared to leave JKT48 yet, but my prayers and supports will always be for you =’]

Rica: There is no one who can replace @ochijkt48. Even if ochi is not in JKT48, I still love her.

Dhike: I will keep supporting ochi even if that is your decision @ochijkt48

Gaby: This can’t be :”( (and also) Every meeting has to have a separation. Cheer up!

Beby: ochi cheer up yaa!!! :’) (and also) the spirit of bechi will always be around…even if we are far apart, we still are the bechi duo who are soulmates and close…..:/ hehe

Delima: May @ochijkt48 have success outside of JKT48. Amiin. Ganbatte chiiiii

Cleo: For those who have asked me to send their regards to @ochijkt48, Cleo nyan have sent it ya…

Cindy: Goodbye and good luck!! Hope the best for you ochi

Ghaida: De @ochijkt48 i love you. we all love you :*

To be fair to the official twitter account, the admin at @officialjkt48 also only knew about the news after several informing tweets by fans:

Translations: “Thank you for your feedback and critique from friends about the news of @ochijkt48 ‘s withdrawal. The admin have passed the news to the official management. We hope that everyone  can be patient and await official news from JKT48 management. Thank you for your understanding.”

My thoughts:

Soon after the admin has posted these comments, selected tweets from members have been deleted. My guess is that the management and officials themselves were caught by surprise regarding Ochi’s sudden announcement and is trying to limit any possible damage caused by such a shocking announcement.

The addition of the 2nd generation JKT48 may have brought in a little uncertainty to the current members regarding their current positions and how the future JKT48 will look like. (Such a situation has been very much documented by the first generation members in AKB48.)

It is difficult for outsiders to offer proper advice, so I can only offer my support in hope that all current and new members will be able to make the best decision for their future and move forward together.

What is clear is that Ochi has decided to leave JKT48. As fans, it is probably difficult for us to understand the personal and professional circumstances that have led her to make such a sudden decision. But honestly, it is still a painful decision and I’m sure both Ochi and fans feel the hurt.

Nonetheless, I hope that fans can continue to offer her support and remember “Ochi” as one of the most fun members in JKT48. Many of us will not forget her “Azzeeekkkk” which have brought life into so many theater performances. And personally, it is this cheerfulness of her that is the most important present I have received from her as a fan of JKT48.

As a first generation member, Ochi have worked hard to bring up the name, image and professionalism of JKT48. I hope the official management can let her have a proper graduation from JKT48.

Let us await for further news and wish her all the best in her future.

WasshoiJ (8 Nov 12, 4.18pm Jakarta time)