Bingkai Karya – After releasing two songs earlier in 2025, her collaboration with SB19 on “MAPA” and her solo single “Berbunga-Bunga Sendiri” (Blossoming Alone), Aruma returns with her latest work, “Cendana” (Sandalwood). The song is warm yet deeply emotional, capturing memories, confusion, and a scent that lingers timelessly.
“The inspiration came from someone who used to be in my life, about a year and nine months ago,” Aruma shared. “This person had a very distinctive scent, the fragrance of sandalwood, cendana in Indonesian. That’s when I realized how powerful scents can be as memories. The moment you catch it, the feelings, the moments, and that person immediately come rushing back. So, the title ‘Cendana’ doesn’t just refer to sandalwood itself, it symbolizes memories that linger, even after that person is no longer part of your life.”
Aruma wrote the song in just one night, but its development and production took nearly a year and a half, including workshops and refinements with the Sony Music A&R team. “The length wasn’t about technicalities, it was more about the gaps between writing, the workshops, and finally the release,” she explained. To achieve the sound she envisioned, the Gracie Abrams admirer worked with producer and songwriter Petra Sihombing in Bali, crafting an arrangement that feels more polished and fluid. “I learned so much from Kak Petra while working on this song. The final result became more cohesive, flowing, and the storytelling feels stronger,” she added.
Musically, this new single shows a more explorative side of Aruma. After presenting a pop-rock vibe in “Berbunga-Bunga Sendiri” (Blossoming Alone) this time she embraces a softer, more atmospheric sound. “It’s still in a similar space, but smoother. You could say it’s the middle ground between who I was and who I am now,” she said.
Through “Cendana” (Sandalwood) Aruma hopes to accompany listeners who may be in a state of uncertainty in their relationships. “I just want to say: it’s okay to feel confused, it’s okay if you’re not ready to let go yet. Just go through the process, because slowly, you’ll reach the point where everything doesn’t feel as heavy anymore,” the Bandung-born soloist shared.
As 2025 enters its final quarter, Aruma hopes this release will further establish her identity as both a musician and songwriter. “I want people to recognize me not only as a singer but also as a songwriter. I also want to perform more often and create events with Arumanis (the name for her loyal listeners) so I can be closer to my fans. Even though there are still many dreams I want to chase, I’m grateful for all the new experiences and growth I’ve had this year in music, in the process, and in mindset. My hope is simple: I just want to keep growing and never stop learning,” she concluded.
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