In 1994, Zulkarnaen went into bed rest due to heart disease, and underwent surgery in February 1994 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.
[1] On 10 March 1995, Zulkarnaen died at his daughter's residence in Kalibata, South Jakarta, due to heart disease at the age of 55.
[1] The night before his death, several film figures such as Dewi Yuli, Deddy Mizwar, Ida Leman, Camelia Malik, and Harry Capri came to visit him.
[1] His funeral was held at Tanah Kusir Cemetery, and was attended by thousands, such as members of Parfi and Gabungan Artis Nusantara.
[1] At the funeral several film figures provided eulogies, including Rima Melati, Widyawati, and Misbach Yusa Biran.