IN THIS SCENE

In this scene, we step into the world of k—raised behind the curtains of Musikal Laskar Pelangi, where backstage felt like home. As the daughter of the show's producer, she grew up watching the magic unfold—from the first rehearsal to the final bow. While others saw the musical from the seats, k lived it from the wings—singing along to Sahabat Alami, holding her breath during Lintang’s farewell, and sharing quiet smiles with the cast during their backstage moments. Now, she steps into her own spotlight—ready to share the story of the show that shaped her, both onstage and off.

roots of the rainbow

An introduction to your authors personal favorite…Musikal Laskar Pelangi is an Indonesian musical rooted in the story of Belitung. It shines a light on the lives of “the other side”—revealing the divide between oil and water, between different walks of life. Told through heartfelt flashbacks, the narrative follows a main character who grows up amidst hardship and ends in a place of contentment, having built a life of meaning and togetherness.

Cast & Characters

Ibu Muslimah: Lea Simanjuntak, Eka Deli, Dira Sugandi

Pak Harfan: Chandra Satria, Iyoq Kusdini

Pak Bakri: Gabriel B. Harvianto, Haikal AFI

Lintang: Hilmi Fathurrahman, Alvaro Maldini S

Kucai: Bastian Bintang S

Mahar: Teuku Ryzki M, Patton Otlivio Latupeirissa

Ikal: Christoffer Nelwan, Kelvin Joshua

Sahara: Fadilla Huna Ba’alwy, Sheila Aisha S

Borek: Daffa Eri M, Denu W Prasetyo

Harun: Billy T, David Samuel P

Syahdam: Ivant Septiawarman, Andreas Dwi J

Tripani: Iqbaal Dhiafakhri R, Diaz Favian C W

Akiong: Steven Jansen, Nathaneal Hendriyanto

Aling: Regina Dyah Pradani Saraswati, Namira

Behind the Scenes

Bringing this story to life was a creative team filled with heart and vision:

Director: Riri Riza
Music & Composer: Erwin Gutawa
Script & Lyrics: Mira Lesmana
Set Designer: Jay Subyakto
Choreographer: Hartati
Producers: Toto Arto & Mira Lesmana

December 17, 2011 marked the debut of Musikal Laskar Pelangi—a night of new beginnings. From Jakarta to Singapore, the show touched hearts and crossed borders. It sold thousands of tickets and moved audiences to laugh, cry, and applaud. Every scene, every line, carried a message that added depth to the story.

For those just discovering this musical gem, let’s break it down—piece by piece, moment by moment.

resources

dari, Kontributor. “Laskar Pelangi (Drama Musikal).” Wikipedia.org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 23 Apr. 2011, id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laskar_Pelangi_(drama_musikal). Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Jumpa Pers Musikal Laskar Pelangi 2 Di Gedung Nyi Ageng Serang - Kapanlagi.com. www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kapanlagi.com%2Ffoto%2Fberita-foto%2Findonesia%2F16568musikal_laskar_pelangi_2_segera_digelar-20110617-010-mai.html&psig=AOvVaw2phg-LixZvLq5FjAeVkfaN&ust=1744719615599000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMDijZ7B14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAZ.

Jumpa Pers Musikal Laskar Pelangi 2 Di Gedung Nyi Ageng Serang - Kapanlagi.com. www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kapanlagi.com%2Ffoto%2Fberita-foto%2Findonesia%2F16568musikal_laskar_pelangi_2_segera_digelar-20110617-010-mai.html&psig=AOvVaw2phg-LixZvLq5FjAeVkfaN&ust=1744719615599000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMDijZ7B14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAh.

News, NRM. “‘…Pentas Musikal LASKAR PELANGI Mendulang SUKSES….’” NASIONALIS RAKYAT MERDEKA, 15 July 2011, nasionalisrakyatmerdeka.wordpress.com/2011/07/15/pentas-musikal-laskar-pelangi-mendulang-sukses-2/. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Original Cast Recording Musikal Laskar Pelangi.” SoundCloud, 2023, soundcloud.com/sobatthemepark/sets/original-cast-recording-musikal-laskar-pelangi. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Redirect Notice.” Google.com, 2025, www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kapanlagi.com%2Fshowbiz%2Fselebriti%2Fmusikal-laskar-pelangi-sesi-2-lebih-hidup.html&psig=AOvVaw0w3srqCNalk1mAzgsvngIS&ust=1744719565359000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCKCco4PJ14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Redirect Notice.” Google.com, 2025, www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhafiezagam.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F12%2Fmusikal-laskar-pelangi-akan-tampil-di-esplanade-singapore%2F&psig=AOvVaw1u82xauhNtfUaRRp8ORBkk&ust=1744717424011000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCIj3ipDJ14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Redirect Notice.” Google.com, 2025, www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmusik.kapanlagi.com%2Fgaleri%2Fberita-foto%2Findonesia%2Fmusikal-laskar-pelangi.html&psig=AOvVaw1u82xauhNtfUaRRp8ORBkk&ust=1744717424011000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCIj3ipDJ14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAR. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

“Redirect Notice.” Google.com, 2025, www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplanetkurikuri.wordpress.com%2Ftag%2Fmusikal-laskar-pelangi%2F&psig=AOvVaw1u82xauhNtfUaRRp8ORBkk&ust=1744717424011000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCIj3ipDJ14wDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAZ. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

p2k.stekom.ac.id/ensiklopedia/Laskar_Pelangi_(drama_musikal)#:~:text=Album%20Musikal%20Laskar%20Pelangi%20adalah,yang%20dirilis%20pada%20tahun%202011.

additional resources for the readers

music playlist on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsqQSbPLXg86AGaPRj9TA5bWK3KkklrBX

Introduction:

The musical opens with a bang—literally—with a physical car rolling onto the stage, marking the "present day" in the story. The narrative unfolds as a blend of upward momentum and reflective flashbacks. While most of the story takes place in the past, its structure gently circles back to reveal how the children’s lives unfold, wrapping the journey in a touching, full-circle ending.

We’re introduced to the main character—Ikal—the voice of the story and the leader of the Laskar Pelangi (translated as “The Rainbow Troops”). From there, the stage bursts into life with a short, spirited song performed by the kuli, or blue-collar workers. Not long after, Ibu Muslimah enters, full of hope and joy, as she steps into the spotlight, sharing her excitement about becoming a teacher at Sekolah Muhammadiyah.

Fun fact: On stage, Sekolah Muhammadiyah was designed to feel like a real Indonesian school—complete with portraits of national heroes on the walls. But here’s the twist: producer Toto Arto sneakily blended the faces of the production team into those portraits. So when the children had to clean around the classroom, they couldn’t help but giggle—because they were scrubbing under the eyes of their own directors!

As the story begins to build, we’re introduced to the spirited children of Sekolah Muhammadiyah, along with their dedicated teachers: Ibu Muslimah, Pak Harfan, and Pak Bakri. However, just as we meet Pak Bakri, we also have to say goodbye—he makes the difficult decision to leave Sekolah Muhammadiyah to teach elsewhere, seeking a better career and a more secure future.

With Pak Bakri’s departure, we’re left in the warm company of Ibu Muslimah and Pak Harfan, guiding the children through their days of learning, playing, cleaning, and simply enjoying the magic of childhood. One especially heartwarming moment is when Ibu Muslimah takes the children on a trip into nature, teaching them the value of natural resources in a hands-on, joyful way.

This scene flows into one of my personal favorites: the song “Sahabat Alami.” It’s a vibrant, melodic piece that captures the wonder of the natural world—painting it through music, rhythm, and lyrics that truly make the environment come alive on stage. 

The rising action of the musical leans heavily into its musical numbers—many of which are among my personal favorites. One honorable mention is "Jari-Jari Cantik," a gentle, dreamy piece that captures young love in its purest form. In this scene, Ikal meets a girl named Aling, portrayed in a beautifully creative way—her silhouette dances gracefully behind a screen, appearing as an elegant ballerina floating through his imagination.

Set to a lullaby-like piano melody with soft, delicate notes, the song reflects Ikal’s quiet admiration and wonder. It’s tender, almost whimsical, as he watches her dance, completely captivated. But just as quickly as she appears, she vanishes—leaving Ikal with only a memory, as Aling is said to have moved away, out of his reach. The moment is fleeting, yet deeply felt, a quiet ache in the heart of the story.

Another significant moment in the musical comes with the song “Anak Pelangi”—a piece that truly captures the heart of the entire story. In this number, the children sing openly about the struggles they face, their voices filled with both vulnerability and quiet strength. It’s a raw and honest reflection of the reality they live in.

As the song unfolds, voices from “the other side” chime in—mocking and belittling the children for their differences. This contrast not only highlights the social divide, but also amplifies the resilience of the Laskar Pelangi, who continue to sing, dream, and hold onto hope despite it all.

Story Climax: 

The climax of Musikal Laskar Pelangi arrives like a storm—sudden, heavy, and heartbreaking. It begins with the quiet yet devastating loss of Pak Harfan. He’s found “asleep” in the school by Ibu Muslimah, who, unaware, tries to wake him—only to be hit by the shocking truth. The stage bursts into a wash of flashing lights and intense music, pulling the audience into the emotional weight of the moment. Grief hangs thick in the air.

This moment transitions into the haunting solo “Hilangnya Harapan,” performed by Ibu Muslimah. Through this song, she pours out her sorrow and guilt, mourning not only the loss of Pak Harfan but also the fading light of her own dreams of teaching. It’s a turning point—the beginning of a downward spiral.

Soon after, we return to the children, now sitting in confusion and frustration at their empty school. With no teachers arriving, their hope starts to crack. They question the value of an education in a place that seems to have abandoned them. Tension rises.

Then comes another blow: Lintang, one of the brightest among them, faces an unbearable loss. Waiting at the shore with his sisters, he learns that his father has been swept away by the ocean. Forced to grow up overnight, he leaves school to support his family. His departure is marked by a deeply moving song—a farewell sung as a letter, filled with quiet pain and love. He appears before his friends one last time. The troops embrace, hold tight, and send him off with tears and a final goodbye.

This sequence of events is the emotional peak of the story—where innocence fades, and life’s harsh realities come crashing in.

The tension slowly begins to ease, giving way to a softer, more hopeful tone. The musical gently loops back to where it began—echoing the opening scene with the return of the kuli singing and dancing. The tempo, the mood, even the choreography feels familiar, but this time there’s a shift. The surroundings have changed. The people have changed. It’s no longer the past—it’s the present.

An older Ikal walks back onto the stage, and through the rhythm of the kuli, we’re shown how far everyone has come. Their joyful song becomes a vessel for storytelling, revealing how the children of Sekolah Muhammadiyah—once seen as the underdogs—have carved their own paths. We see glimpses of Lintang’s success, and learn that the others too have grown, achieved, and overcome.

Then, the stage is bathed in light as the final song ends: Nasib Telah Berubah. With no words needed, the breathtaking instrumental washes over the audience, sending chills down every spine. It’s not just an ending—it’s a celebration of change, of perseverance, of dreams fulfilled. A powerful close to a story that lives on long after the curtain falls.k’s

k’s personal connection

Calling this one of my “favorites” isn’t about bias—it’s about truth. Sure, my dad worked on Musikal Laskar Pelangi, and yes, that gave me a unique connection to it. But it doesn't mean I loved it just because of him. My dad and his friends create amazing work in this industry, and I’ve always felt a deep appreciation for it. This musical, though, was special. It was the first I ever watched—when I was only two years old.

Two-year-olds usually aren’t allowed into theatres, but I had a bit of a golden ticket—daddy-daughter privileges. I may not remember every detail, but the feeling it gave me never left. That show lit a spark. It shaped how I see the world and built the foundation for my love of the performing arts.

My parents still tell stories about little moments I had growing up—like when I was four, watching another performance (maybe my second or third ever). At the end, I apparently stood on my seat and loudly applauded, shouting something like “marvelous!” A famous choreographer sitting behind us was stunned that a child so young could respond with such enthusiasm. But that’s what Musikal Laskar Pelangi did. It opened my heart to the stage. It showed me that sadness, hardship, and struggle could be transformed into beauty, meaning, and hope.

I was lucky. I got to witness it all. From auditions to show nights, backstage moments to makeup chairs—I was there, often sitting on my dad’s shoulders, quietly observing the magic. I may not remember everything, but I remember how it made me feel. That kind of wonder builds something in a child: curiosity, joy, passion. It turns you into someone who lives and breathes musicals, day by day.

As I wrote this blog post, I truly enjoyed every part of the process. It might’ve felt like schoolwork at times—especially with how strict I am about my own deadlines—but this was different. This was something I poured my heart into, day after day. A few weeks ago, I sat down with both my parents to rewatch the full recording of the musical. And chills—literal chills—ran down my spine. I even turned to my dad and said it out loud. I wasn’t exaggerating. Every moment felt alive again.

Since then, I’ve been playing the songs on repeat, thanks to a playlist I found on YouTube—one of the few that still captures the beauty and emotion woven into every lyric. The musical’s magic still lingers, long after the final note.

I hope the readers are able to enjoy reading my blog post, as much as I was able to enjoy making it. 

And with that, the curtains fall. Until the next act–k’s curtain call.