Maudy Ayunda has unveiled Aku yang Engkau Cari, her newest single and the official soundtrack for the forthcoming film Para Perasuk.
Directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, the film provided the creative spark behind the song’s creation.
Together, the two works offer audiences a deeper emotional entry point into the story they seek to tell.
The song emerged from Maudy’s deep involvement in the project, where she not only contributed as a singer and songwriter but also joined the cast as Laksmi.
The idea first took shape during the filming process. Immersed in the film’s distinctive atmosphere and narrative, Maudy felt compelled to translate that experience into music.
After production wrapped, she shared the concept with Wregas, who welcomed the idea enthusiastically.
She then worked alongside producer and longtime collaborator Lafa Pratomo to develop the song after watching an early cut of the film.
The experience left a lasting impression on her, as she felt genuinely connected to the world and characters of Para Perasuk.
Exploring Bayu’s Emotional Landscape
Emotionally, Aku yang Engkau Cari adopts the perspective of Bayu, the film’s central character portrayed by Angga Yunanda. B
ayu appears strong on the surface, yet beneath that facade lies a profound vulnerability.
He constantly seeks validation and longs to be loved. In his efforts to become what others expect of him, he gradually loses sight of who he truly is.
Maudy explained that the songwriting process centered on an endless longing for acceptance, comfort, and reassurance that Bayu was enough as he was.
For Maudy, the idea pointed toward a deeper emotional truth.
The person he had been looking for throughout his journey might have been himself all along.
Still, it also reflected a universal longing: the desire to encounter someone who can see us fully and choose to embrace us just as we are.
How Maudy Ayunda and Lafa Pratomo Shaped the Song
Maudy co-wrote the single with Lafa Pratomo, who also served as its producer and arranger.
They completed the creative process over the course of approximately one month, guided by instinct and emotion rather than rigid formulas.
Together, they envisioned a song that would feel like a whisper: calm and immersive on the surface, yet carrying an undercurrent of deep unease.
Within the film itself, the track functions as an emotional layer that enriches the story without revealing its plot directly.
Rather than explaining events, it conveys the feelings that the characters, especially Bayu, struggle to express through words.
Even as a standalone release, the song carries universal themes of identity, ambition, acceptance, and human connection.
However, Maudy believes its meaning becomes even more profound after audiences experience the film.
In that context, she feels the song finds its reflection and completes its purpose.
Read more: Bilal Indrajaya and Maudy Ayunda Reimagine “Kau”
From Indonesia to Sundance 2026
Para Perasuk will hold its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City.
The film is one of only ten international titles selected to compete in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
This achievement is marking a significant milestone for Indonesian cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious film stages.
For Maudy, participating in the project became a deeply meaningful experience.
She expressed gratitude and pride in contributing to an Indonesian work recognized internationally.
She is viewing it as proof that stories from Indonesia have the power to resonate with audiences everywhere.
Maudy Ayunda Hopes Listeners Feel Seen
Through Aku yang Engkau Cari, Maudy hopes listeners and viewers can connect more intimately with the emotional struggles explored in Para Perasuk.
She envisions the song accompanying those who remain in the process of searching, whether for themselves or for others.
According to Maudy, she hopes people will feel seen through the song.
It speaks to the desire to be enough, to be understood, and to be sought after.
She further suggested that perhaps people do not need to become someone else to find fulfillment because they may already be the very person they have been searching for all along.
Aku yang Engkau Cari became available on all major digital streaming platforms on January 19, 2026.
The release invites listeners on an inward journey through questions of self-discovery, ambition, acceptance, and sincerity.
A lyric video for the single has also been released through Trinity Optima Production’s official YouTube channel.
