Perahu Kertas stands as one of most celebrated works from Dee Lestari, and over the years, it has continued to evolve across many formats.
First, it appeared in 2007 as Indonesia’s pioneering digital serialized novel.
One year later, it took shape as a printed book.
Then, in 2012, the story reached an even wider audience through its film adaptations, Perahu Kertas 1 and 2.
That cinematic release also gave birth to an original soundtrack carrying the same title.
The song was performed by Maudy Ayunda, who portrayed Kugy in the film.
In time, the track earned major recognition, winning the 2012 Piala Maya award for Best Original Soundtrack.
Dee Lestari Recorded Her Own Version
Fourteen years later, Perahu Kertas found new life once again.
At the end of January 2026, the story stepped onto the stage in a different form.
This time, it appeared as a musical production presented by Trinity Optima Production in collaboration with Indonesia Kaya.
However, the journey did not stop there.
As she began shaping her third solo album, Dee Lestari looked back on her own journey with Perahu Kertas.
As the writer of both the novel and the film screenplay, the song had always been deeply personal.
Fourteen years after composing it, she finally recorded the track in her own voice.
Read more: Dee Lestari Returns With New Single and Third Solo Album
The Creative Process for The New Version
Reworking a song with hundreds of millions of streams naturally came with its own challenges.
Because of that challenge, Dee Lestari and her management team took a careful approach.
They weighed several strategic options before moving forward.
One key decision was to collaborate with acclaimed producer Petra Sihombing.
Under Petra’s direction, Perahu Kertas gained a fresh arrangement with a clear identity of its own.
Instead of leaning on acoustic guitar, the new version highlights a more edgy electric guitar sound.
The song’s structure feels more dynamic, building toward a stronger and more dramatic climax.
Along the way, vocal director Kamga Mo played a key role in shaping the song’s sound.
He also contributed backing vocals to the recording.
Together, these layers of harmony add new depth and texture to the track.
The Final Result of the Song
The result feels unmistakably different. Dee Lestari’s version of Perahu Kertas sounds more mature and more expansive.
Even so, it carefully preserves the sense of magic that made the song so beloved from the very beginning.
Its lasting appeal speaks to something universal.
The story follows a human journey of chasing dreams, finding love, and searching for a place to belong.
Those themes continue to resonate, no matter what stage of life someone is in.
That message carries over into the lyric video as well.
The visuals include footage of Dee Lestari’s readers, each offering their own interpretation of the song’s lyrics.
These moments are woven together with scenic shots of Gili Trawangan beach, adding another layer of emotion to the experience.
Together, these elements highlight the beauty of human connection, from friendship to romance.
Perahu Kertas was released simultaneously on all major streaming platforms on January 28, 2026, alongside its lyric video.
The track serves as the second single from Dee Lestari’s upcoming solo album, scheduled for release in mid-2026.
Through this renewed rendition, Dee Lestari steps into a wider spotlight.
She reaffirms her role not only as a celebrated writer, but also as a powerful musical voice.
In doing so, she strengthens her place as one of Indonesia’s leading singer-songwriters today.
