Legendary Composer James F. Sundah Passed Away at the Age of 70

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian music world is in mourning again. Legendary composer and songwriter James F. Sundah passed away on Thursday (7/5) at 11:28 AM New York time (EST) at the age of 70. The sad news was announced by the family through an official press release issued from New York, United States.

In the statement, James was said to have passed away surrounded by his wife, children, and beloved family. His departure is a great loss for the music industry in the homeland, considering his long career as a composer, producer, arranger, and songwriter who has produced many monumental works across generations.

Born on December 1, 1955, James F. Sundah is widely known for his works that have a melodious, emotional character, and strong lyrics. Some of his songs that are deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people include Lilin-Lilin Kecil, September Ceria, Ironi, and Astaga.

1. Little Candles

He also created the international song When You Came Into My Life, which was popularized by the band Scorpions along with Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker. The song Little Candles even made it to the list of the 150 Best Indonesian Songs according to Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine in 2009.

Not only known as a songwriter, James also has a great reputation as a music producer and arranger. Many top Indonesian musicians have performed his works, from Chrisye, Vina Panduwinata, Krisdayanti, Sheila Majid to Cholil Mahmud. His contributions are said to have helped shape the artistic quality of many important recordings in the history of national music.

2. Fighting Against Lung Cancer

James F. Sundah © instagram.com/jamesfsundah

In recent years, James has been known to be fighting against lung cancer, which he has suffered from since 2024. Despite his health condition, he continued to create. On October 15, 2025, James released his final work titled A Thousand Years of Light.

The song was sung by young singer Claudia Emmanuela Santoso as a special tribute to his wife, Lia Sundah-Suntoso. A month before his passing, James also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Anugerah Musik Indonesia Awards 2025.

3. Final Tribute

The family also announced a series of final tributes for James F. Sundah, which will be held in New York. The viewing and memorial service are scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Schwartz Brothers Memorial Chapel.

Meanwhile, the release and burial will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. John Cemetery. In closing their statement, the family mentioned that James F. Sundah's musical legacy will continue to live on and serve as the soundtrack of many Indonesians' lives for decades.

(kpl/tdr)