Kunto Aji's emotional hug accompanies 'Ngabuburead' in Cikini
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Every individual has their own way of enjoying the late afternoon while waiting for iftar, accompanied by a song with an ‘emotional hug’ performed up close by its creator, which apparently has become one of the more interesting options.
Singer Kunto Aji attended Perpustakaan Jakarta, Cikini, on Friday afternoon (6 March), delivering a line-up of his popular songs, most of which come from his second and third albums.
His appearance was part of the ‘Senandung Aksara’ (Senara) activities, which this year forms part of the Ramadhan literacy programme ‘Ngabuburead 2026’ at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Central Jakarta. The event aims to fill the time before breaking the fast with more meaningful activities, such as book discussions, literacy workshops, activities reading creatively, studies, and performances of arts and literature.
More than a performance, ‘Senandung Aksara’ is designed as a space for collective reflection that invites the public to listen, feel, and interpret life’s experiences through words and melodies, while also making the library a meeting place for ideas, expressions of art, and togetherness.
The performance is wrapped in a format of a literary and musical stage that combines poetry readings, the musicalisation of poetry, and musical performances that are intimate and reflective.
In this edition, ‘Senara’ brings various community and artist collaborations, including dramatisation and musicalisation of poetry by Orkes Darah Muda (SMAN 83 Jakarta) and Sun Community, as well as performances by Lunar (LNR), which culminated in Kunto Aji’s appearance as guest star.
Kunto Aji was the final performer. Wearing a white top and light blue denim trousers, he opened the afternoon’s ‘mini concert’ with the song ‘Jakarta Jakarta’. As its title suggests, the song tells of a person who pursues dreams in the capital city with all its hustle and bustle.
After one song, he greeted the audience and introduced himself. Kunto Aji then asked whether any of the audience members felt stressed, bored, or even overly anxious.
He understands that conditions both in the country and globally at present can sometimes make people anxious. Kunto Aji said he rarely listens to his own voice. Yet there is a favourite song of his that he often listens to, even though it makes him squirm a little, he said.
‘Konon Katanya’, ‘Mercusuar’, ‘Saudade’ then flowed, accompanied by the audience’s voices joining in singing. They were carried away by Kunto Aji’s singing.