Lie Indra Perkasa’s ‘Werifesteria’ explores the mystique of the forest

Lie Indra Perkasa, a composer based in Jakarta known for his powerful film scores, has released a new EP titled ‘Werifesteria’ on March 6, 2025.

This four-track project—mastered by Nara Anindyaguna of Random Brothers—is said to capture the essence of “an imaginary adventure through the forest from dawn till dusk culminating in the shine of moonlight.”

Indra, whose work has shaped films like Tabula Rasa and Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail, builds ‘Werifesteria’ around dreamy synths, organic textures, and melodies that feel both intimate and expansive.

It opens with ‘Suita Rimba I. Kodama’, a weightless, almost meditative piece where airy synths drift through a soundscape that feels like morning mist rolling through the trees. Originally commissioned for Tromarama’s The Lost Jungle installation at Museum MACAN, “Kodama” refers to Japanese forest spirits, a nod to Princess Mononoke, a film that deeply inspired him.

Next is ‘Suita Rimba II. Tata, Tatum (feat. Ranya Badudu)’, which keeps that dreamlike quality but introduces more pulse. Ranya Badudu’s ethereal layered vocals blend with warm synths, adding a hypnotic dimension to the composition.

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‘Suita Rimba III. Sanadhikala’ strips things back, centering around a delicate guitar melody that gradually builds with fluttering synths and atmospheric elements. The track swells in emotion before tapering into calm, mirroring the transition from late afternoon to night. “Sanadhikala is a Sanskrit word that means ‘in between time,’ reflecting the transition from day to night,” Indra explains.

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Closing the EP is ‘Candrakirana (Clair de Lune)’, Indra’s take on Debussy’s classic. But instead of a grand, traditional version, this feels more like a personal lullaby—soft, intimate, and a little playful.

While working on ‘Candrakirana’, he stumbled upon unused recordings of his improvisation for The Lost Jungle and saw potential in reworking them.

“I started adding some layers of instruments and other sounds that I saw fit. Then slowly, a story took shape in my imagination, depicting an adventure in the forest,” he adds. The blend of gentle guitar plucks and undulating pads makes it a quiet tribute to the past with a modern touch.

Listen to the entirety of ‘Werifesteria’ here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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