Bingkai Karya – Indonesian singer-songwriter Sal Priadi returns with his heartfelt new single, “Malang Suantai Sayang”, now available on all major digital streaming platforms. Alongside the release, Sal has also unveiled a lyric video on YouTube, filmed in the heart of Malang’s Kayutangan district, featuring his closest friends and collaborators from the city he once called home.
The inspiration for the song came unexpectedly. “It started when I went back to Malang and wanted to post an Instagram Story,” Sal recalls. “I tried to find a background song that could capture the city, but nothing felt right. In Yogyakarta, for example, there are so many songs that beautifully portray the city. So I thought, why not make one myself, for Malang?”
This reflection eventually grew into “Malang Suantai Sayang”, a warm and nostalgic tribute to the city where Sal spent much of his youth and began his music career. With honesty and intimacy, the lyrics paint vivid imagery of Malang’s everyday life:
“I dedicate Malang with pure sincerity There’s nothing to fear except spending your afternoons stuck on Kawi street You’ll grow full, you’ll fall in love And if you chase it further, head to the hills What do you see there? A beautiful sunset…”
The track was written and composed by Sal himself, with contributions from long-time friends and collaborators including Nino Bukir (kendang), Juan Mandagie (string arranger), Mario Lasar (violin), Nonni Betania (violin), Galih Yoga (viola), Jonathan William (cello), as well as backing vocals by Natania Karin and Agustin Oendari. Recording took place at Roemah Iponk (Karawaci), with mixing and mastering handled by Ivan Gojaya and Irene Edmar.
The lyric video, directed by Rizky Boncell, captures Malang’s community spirit, involving artists, musicians, skateboarders, and everyday locals. It features mural and graffiti art by McEvan and friends, and cameos from familiar names such as Agus Moron (Primitive Chimpanzee), Galih Babi (Brigade07), Izad (skateboarder), Amin Sumantri (actor/artist), Jeje Kwan (soloist), and FUFUFU Friends Malang Raya.
“I wanted this to be a project made by Malang, for Malang,” Sal explains. “From the creative team, photography, video production, to promotion, it was all done by Malang people. For the lyric video, I gathered friends I’ve known for years. We hung out, joked around, and just spent time together in front of the murals. It felt so natural, and so us.”
At its heart, “Malang Suantai Sayang” is more than just a song, it’s a celebration of a city that embodies “slow living” at its finest. Sal contrasts Malang’s relaxed pace with the hustle of Jakarta, highlighting how the city offers stories of joy, silliness, sadness, and even tragedy, woven into the lives of its people.
The single arrives at a timely moment, released during the long holiday season as Malang welcomes new university students and weekend visitors. “I hope this song makes more people curious about Malang,” Sal shares. “I’ve already received messages from listeners who’ve never been there but now want to visit after hearing the track. For Malang natives living elsewhere, I hope it brings a sense of pride, a reminder of where they come from.”
With “Malang Suantai Sayang”, Sal Priadi opens a window into his hometown, inviting listeners not only to enjoy the music, but also to experience the warmth and stories that Malang holds.
