Dee Lestari (49)

1976-01-20 | Bandung, Indonesia

Dee Lestari, whose full name is Dewi Lestari Simangunsong, (born in Bandung on January 20, 1976). She grew up in a family closely connected to the arts, which made her familiar with music from an early age through choir and vocal group activities at school. Dee later pursued higher education at Parahyangan Catholic University, majoring in International Relations, before eventually dedicating herself more seriously to an artistic career. Her experience in music began when she worked as a backing vocalist for several Indonesian musicians, and she later formed the vocal group Rida Sita Dewi, which became popular in the 1990s. After several years in music, Dee entered the literary world and achieved major success with her debut novel in 2001, Supernova: Ksatria, Putri, dan Bintang Jatuh. The novel grew into the Supernova series, consisting of six books, and became one of the most influential works in modern Indonesian literature. Besides Supernova, Dee has written many other widely known works such as Filosofi Kopi, Perahu Kertas, Rectoverso, and Aroma Karsa, many of which have been adapted into films or other visual media. Her achievements have established Dee as one of the most prominent and productive contemporary writers in Indonesia. Dee’s works are recognized for blending themes of spirituality, humanity, and social reflection with a poetic and deeply contemplative narrative style. She often explores existential ideas, psychological dynamics, and the human relationship with broader realities, making her writings not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Her contributions to Indonesian literature are regarded as significant for bringing fresh and modern perspectives, as well as expanding public interest in reading through accessible yet richly layered novels. In her personal life, Dee was once married to singer Marcell Siahaan, with whom she has a son. After their separation, she later married a holistic health practitioner. Her life and family background show that art has been an integral part of her journey since childhood. Through music and especially literature, Dee Lestari has built a strong career while contributing greatly to the development of popular culture and literacy in Indonesia.