Bunga Citra Lestari Shares Her Emotional Self-care Routine

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) – Despite her hectic career schedule, Indonesian star Bunga Citra Lestari, better known as BCL, makes time for herself — something she considers essential for emotional balance.

The 42-year-old singer and actress said that cooking and watching Korean dramas serve as therapeutic activities that bring her peace and help reduce the stress from her career.

She shared that some of her go-to dishes include rendang and chocolate cake, as well as trying Western recipes like her son Noah Aidan Sinclair’s favourite pasta.

“For me, cooking is a form of healing. When you cook for the people you love and see them enjoy the food, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness,” she told reporters after the launch of her upcoming concert BCL: Eternal Love – Timeless Romance here yesterday.

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The Habibie & Ainun actress also admitted she enjoys spending time watching Korean dramas, especially romantic comedies that offer emotional resonance and lighthearted entertainment.

BCL’s busy schedule has not stopped her from maintaining ties with the family of her late husband, Ashraf Sinclair, who died of a heart attack in 2020.

She said the bond remains strong to this day, even after Ashraf’s passing, and her former in-laws have also warmly welcomed her new husband, Tiko Aryawardhana, whom she married in 2023.

“We are always in contact with one another. When I was in a relationship with Ashraf, I didn’t just love him, I loved his family too. They have always been supportive of me. And now, they also accept Tiko as part of our family,” she said.

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“I feel incredibly grateful because this is something truly beautiful. Not everyone gets to experience this. The relationship was built from the beginning with deep understanding, mutual respect, and maturity. There’s no jealousy or resentment—only a shared commitment to support one another,” she added.

Meanwhile, BCL will be returning to entertain her Malaysian fans with the concert BCL: Eternal Love – Timeless Romance, scheduled to take place at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Sept 27.

Unlike Rossa and Melly Goeslaw, who prefer grand-scale concerts, the Cinta Sejati songstress opts for a more intimate performance to allow for deeper emotional storytelling through her chosen songs.

“There are still so many things I want to express through music. My singing style is narrative in nature, and it works best in a setting that’s close to the audience.

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“What matters isn’t just delivering a great show — it’s whether the concert will become a memorable experience for those who attend, because that’s what truly counts,” she said, promising many surprises for her loyal fans.

The concert, organised by Pulse Project Asia, will also feature renowned electric violinist and music producer Dennis Lau, and powerhouse singer Jaclyn Victor as guest performers.

“I watched a video of Dennis playing the violin to 12 Tahun Terindah — it was so moving and impressive. I’ve also been a fan of Jaclyn since the Malaysian Idol days. To me, she’s one of the best vocalists in Asia, and I’m incredibly proud to collaborate with her,” she said, describing the collaboration as a symbol of artistic unity between Indonesia and Malaysia.

She added that the upcoming concert is not just about entertainment, but a platform to share her personal journey — from experiencing loss and grief to the courage to rise again, and ultimately, learning to appreciate love in all its forms.

Concert tickets can be purchased online via the Ticket2U platform.

-- BERNAMA