A Riyanto: another great Indonesian songwriter

As I mentioned earlier, Indonesia has many excellent songwriters. At the very top of the pile, the crème de la crème, are people like Rinto Harahap, Charles Hutagalung, and A Riyanto, whom I will be focusing here.

Rinto and Charles were members of the legendary band The Mercy’s (1972-1978).

However even these two combined could not produce an album whose musical standards surpassed everything (at least in Indonesia, or even Malaysia) that has been done before or since. Produced in 1973, it is still my favourite album in the Malay-Indonesian language.

As soundtrack to a film of the same name, all the songs there were written by A Riyanto (1943 – 1994).

Here’s a list of songs from that album and other songs he’s written:

Angin Malam- Broery Marantika

Cari Kawan Lain- The Favourite’s Group

Malam Minggu Yang Mesra- Broery Marantika (the video is Jamal Abdillah’s version)

Rinduku Tiada Yang Tahu – Endang S Taurina

Bunga Dan Kumbang – Endang S Taurina

Hati Lebur Jadi Debu – Jamal Mirdad (a cover version by Hetty Koes Endang is arguably the more popular version)

Kau Yang Sangat Kusayang – Rano Karno

Biarkan Bunga Berkembang – Broery Marantika

Kasih Sayang- The Favourite’s Group (video shows 6ixth Sense’s version)

Nasib Pengembara- Emillia Contessa

Mimpi Sedih- Emillia Contessa

Penghibur Hati- Emillia Contessa & Benjamin S.

Layu Sebelum Berkembang- Emillia Contessa

Setangkai Anggrek Bulan

Tetty Kadi – Senandung Rindu

Others

Kecoak Nungging – sung by Benjamin S (Akhir Sebuah Impian OST)
Bertamasya (instrumental number) (Akhir Sebuah Impian OST)
Endang S Taurina – Apa Yang Kucari
Endang S Taurina – Dia Yang Kucari
Endang S Taurina – Kejamnya Manusia

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