FOR a star as celebrated as Bunga Citra Lestari, life is a constant balancing act of a packed schedule of concerts, filming commitments and brand campaigns.
The 42-year-old Indonesian celebrity — often called by her initials BCL — is deliberate about carving out spaces for peace and self-care.
One of these spaces is the kitchen. For her, cooking is a form of therapy, a way to ground herself amid the chaos.
“When I cook for my loved ones and see them enjoy the food, the happiness is indescribable,” she told the NST during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur.
Her signature dishes are rendang and chocolate cake, which she often prepares in generous batches during festive occasions.
On ordinary days, she prefers to whip up pasta, a simple but special meal for her son, Noah Aidan Sinclair.
“Cooking is healing,” she explained warmly, before adding, “It’s my way of grounding myself amid the hectic schedules and life.”
Beyond the kitchen, watching Korean dramas is another of her escapes.
“I love K-dramas for their layered plots and emotional arcs,” she said with a laugh, admitting that she can easily go through a whole box of tissues during a single episode.
Everlasting flower
This attention to well-being is why BCL is the artiste that she is — one whose life and art are intertwined.
Born in Jakarta, BCL began her career as a model before moving into acting and then music.
Her breakthrough came with her 2006 debut album, ‘Cinta Pertama’, which was a commercial success and led to her starring role in a film of the same name.
Since then, she has consistently topped charts and won numerous awards, including Best Pop Collaboration at the Indonesian Music Awards for her duet with Ari Lasso on ‘Aku dan Dirimu’.
She has also released multiple studio albums, including Tentang Kamu (2008) and It’s Me BCL (2017), and has become one of Southeast Asia’s most recognisable and enduring entertainers, just like her namesake, which means “Flower with an everlasting impression”.
Love lost and found
Her public life has always been closely followed, especially her relationship with Malaysian actor Ashraf Sinclair. The couple’s love story began when they met in 2007, culminating in their marriage on Nov 8, 2008.
Their union was a cross-cultural fairy tale that captivated fans in both Indonesia and Malaysia, and they welcomed their son, Noah, in 2010.
Their love seemed to grow stronger
with each passing year, and they were a picture of happiness until tragedy struck.
On Feb 18, 2020, Ashraf passed away suddenly from a heart attack.
For many, his death felt like a shared loss, a heart-wrenching moment that BCL navigated with grace, using her music as a vessel for her pain.
Her song ’12 Tahun Terindah’ became an anthem for those who have experienced loss, a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love.
After three years of healing and focused on her son, BCL found love again with Tiko Aryawardhana.
Their marriage in December 2023 in Bali was a quiet but deeply significant event, marking a new chapter in her life.
This journey from grief to rediscovering happiness has resonated deeply with her audience, who have followed her path with empathy and admiration.
And BCL’s bond with her late husband’s family has only grown stronger.
She maintains a close relationship with the Sinclairs, often visiting them and sharing special moments.
“When I loved Ashraf, I also loved his family,” she revealed.
“They have always been incredibly kind and supportive, and they have fully embraced Tiko as part of our family too.”
This ongoing connection is a rare and beautiful thing, built on understanding, respect and maturity.
“There’s no jealousy or resentment; only a commitment to support and uplift one another,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Intimate musical journey
Now her journey comes full circle as she prepares to bring her personal story to the stage in Kuala Lumpur. Titled BCL: Eternal Love — Timeless Romance, the concert is slated for Sept 27 at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The venue was chosen for its intimacy, allowing for a deep emotional connection with her audience. Organised by Pulse Project Asia, the event promises to be a powerful and heartfelt performance.
The setlist will include many of her signature hits, such as ‘Cinta Sejati’, ‘Karena Ku Cinta Kau’, and ‘Memulai Kembali’, weaving a narrative through her songs.
Adding to the excitement, the concert will feature Malaysian artistes, including acclaimed electric violinist Dennis Lau and one of BCL’s personal idols, Jaclyn Victor.
For BCL, these collaborations symbolise the artistic unity between Indonesia and Malaysia.
“I’m a huge fan of Jaclyn! I’ve been a fan of Jaclyn since her Malaysian Idol days,” BCL said.
She remained coy about further surprises, hinting that concertgoers could expect something special.
“There will definitely be surprises, but I’d like everyone who has supported me all these years to come and experience them firsthand,” she said.
With its mix of cherished hits, personal stories and cross-cultural collaborations, BCL: Eternal Love – Timeless Romance is shaping up to be more than just a concert; it is a celebration of an artiste who has transformed her experiences of love, healing, and resilience into timeless music.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
