Giring Ganesha Reveals the Magical Story Behind the Soundtrack of 'Laskar Pelangi'

Kapanlagi.com - Behind the success of the phenomenal song "Laskar Pelangi," lies a magical story involving strong faith and prayers that were answered in a short time. Giring Ganesha, former vocalist of Nidji, shares extraordinary memories behind the creation process of the song that has become an inseparable part of one of Indonesia's best films.

Giring recounts that it all started from his admiration for the novel "Laskar Pelangi" by Andrea Hirata. At that time, amidst Nidji's packed tour schedule and the lack of digital entertainment, the book became his only escape.

Access articles about Giring at Liputan6.com.

1. Amazed by the Story of Laskar Pelangi

Giring Ganesha (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

His amazement at the story gave birth to a strong conviction that he voiced at unexpected times and places.

"I know that the process of making the film is extraordinary. I remember when we were going to make 'Laskar Pelangi,' right? At that time, maybe the media friends knew or didn't know the story, but I read the book 'Laskar Pelangi' and I wanted to take it around Indonesia. At that time, Nidji was still on tour," said Giring when met at the Ministry of Education and Culture building, Senayan, Wednesday (12/11/2025).

2. Unforgettable Moment of Giring

Giring Ganesha at the FFI 2025 Press Conference (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

An unforgettable moment happened at Ngurah Rai Airport. Still sleepy after performing, Giring enthusiastically expressed his desire to the other Nidji members.

"I said, I raised my 'Laskar Pelangi' book high while shouting loudly, 'Guys, if this book becomes a movie, we have to fill the soundtrack!' My friends were like, 'This kid is crazy, it's 5:00 AM and everyone is sleepy, and he's talking about the soundtrack,'" he reminisced.

3. Called by the Producer of Laskar Pelangi

Giring Ganesha Talks at the FFI 2025 Press Conference (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

Amazingly, the universe seemed to listen. Less than two days later, a call came in from Mira Lesmana, the producer, which changed everything. Mira, who was in Belitung at the time preparing for the film, did not know that Giring was a huge fan of the book.

4. Offered to Contribute to the Soundtrack

Giring Ganesha with Prilly Latuconsina (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

"Suddenly, Mbak Mira called me. She asked, 'What are you doing?' 'Just finished a tour, Mbak.' 'I’m in Belitung.' 'Huh, what are you doing in Belitung?' 'Making 'Laskar Pelangi.' 'Laskar Pelangi? Wow, I read the book, I really like the book, do you want to contribute to the soundtrack?' She wanted to. So, after the prayer, it was immediately granted," said Giring.

5. Song Born in the Middle of Nidji's Tour

Giring Ganesha Speech at FFI 2025 Press Conference (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

The creative process was equally challenging. The song was born in the midst of a tour, where Giring and his colleagues had to find an empty studio in each city to create.

The iconic lyric "dreams are the key" emerged from Giring's imagination about a meadow, even before he saw any clips from the movie. Ultimately, the inspiration for the chorus came at the most personal moment.

6. The Process of Writing

The Dashing Appearance of Giring Ganesha (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

"Suddenly I hit a wall again, meaning I couldn't get the chorus for about a month. Then at that time in Makassar, right, in Makassar I was in the bathroom, and suddenly I thought of the moment when they were racing and they got nothing. Then I said, 'Dance and keep laughing even though the world is not as beautiful as heaven.' So, I got it right away, well the notation," he concluded.

7. Q&A

Giring Ganesha Appears in a Blue Suit at the FFI 2025 Press Conference (© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)

Q: Who revealed the magical story behind the soundtrack of 'Laskar Pelangi'?
A: Giring Ganesha, the former vocalist of Nidji, is the one who revealed the magical story behind the phenomenal song "Laskar Pelangi".

Q: How did Giring Ganesha get inspired for the song "Laskar Pelangi"?
A: Giring's inspiration began from his admiration for the novel "Laskar Pelangi" by Andrea Hirata, which he read amidst Nidji's busy tour schedule.

Q: How long did it take for Giring Ganesha's wish to come true?
A: Giring Ganesha's wish came true magically in less than two days after he expressed it, with a phone call from producer Mira Lesmana.

(kpl/far/dyn)