Iwan Fals Could Not Hold Back Tears When Discussing the Song 'Ibu'

Kapanlagi.com - A poignant atmosphere enveloped the press conference announcing the collaboration of two Indonesian music maestros, Iwan Fals and Ebiet G. Ade. The legend, Iwan Fals, appeared several times unable to hold back his tears when talking about the deep meaning behind the song "Ibu", which is the heart of their music project.

The emotional moment peaked when Iwan Fals tried to explain his mixed feelings about the song dedicated to parental figures. He seemed to struggle to find the right words to describe his inner turmoil and even apologized to the media crew.

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1. Emotional Moment When Singing for Mother

Iwan Fals on stage © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

"I apologize, I feel mixed up about my father and mother. When singing, I don't know, so when explaining it's a bit, oh dear. I apologize because maybe the press friends need a narrative, but I, oh dear," said Iwan Fals with a trembling voice in the Kasablanka area, South Jakarta, Friday (7/11/2025).

2. Heart Like a Broken Glass

Iwan Fals and Ebiet G Ade duet © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

With a long deep breath, the singer of "Letter for the People's Representatives" gave a strong analogy to describe how complicated and deep his feelings are towards the song.

"My feelings about this song are like a glass falling down, breaking and its shards going everywhere," said Iwan Fals.

3. Can't Refuse the Project

Iwan Fals on stage © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

He admitted that the emotional tremor has been felt since the first time he received the offer for this collaboration project. Iwan confessed that he couldn't refuse the invitation from Musica Studio's, the label that has supported him for decades, especially because the big idea is related to his longing for his mother and home.

4. Thinking of Mom

Iwan Fals playing guitar © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

"It's nice. Cikal told me about this idea and I can't refuse if it's Musica. I've been with them since the '80s until now. I can't refuse. I'm thinking about Mom, you know, I just can't refuse. When it comes to parents, this longing is universal. Everything starts from home," he explained.

5. Iwan Fals's Feelings Towards His Mother

Iwan Fals and Ebiet duet © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

For Iwan Fals, the meaning of the word "Mother" goes far beyond the figure who gave birth to him. He describes her as a great entity that is the source of life, an extraordinary figure that is so remarkable it is difficult to describe.

"I imagine a mother like that. I always envision that extraordinary mother, Mother Earth, yes, my mother is very extraordinary. So how can I describe it? It’s not just light, you know, she also gives air, and I’m a child who rarely goes home," said Iwan.

6. Ebiet Complements

Ebiet G Ade on stage © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

Seeing his friend enveloped in emotion, Ebiet G. Ade, who was beside him, provided a complementary perspective. He explained that his song, "Father," is essentially also a tribute to the struggle of a mother, which makes these two works a perfect unity.

"When I created the song 'Father', that song is not solely for my father. But that song is for my mother who fought hard for her children. A mother, in detail, makes us believe that there is indeed a way in life. Meanwhile, Mas Iwan expresses the profile of an extraordinary mother. Actually, it fits well together," explained Ebiet.

7. Involving Musicians from Different Generations

Iwan Fals playing guitar © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

This music project will also involve musicians from a younger generation, such as David & Lukman Noah and Petra Sihombing. At the end of the session, Iwan Fals concluded with a short yet meaningful sentence, as if to remind himself and everyone.

"Remember to go home," he concluded.

(kpl/far/phi)