Ayunda Faza Maudya, B.A., M.A., M.B.A., commonly known as Maudy Ayunda (born December 19,1994) is an Indonesian actress[1], singer-songwriter[2], entrepreneur[3] and author[4]. Known for her knack for storytelling and multifaceted talents, Ayunda has become a household name in Indonesia, particularly in the entertainment industry and the education sector.
Ayunda made her debut in the entertainment industry through the film “Untuk Rena” in 2005. After finding fame as a child actress, Ayunda gained further recognition for her iconic female lead roles in “Perahu Kertas” (2022), “Refrain” (2013), and “Habibie & Ainun 3” (2019), earning critical praise and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to her acting career, Ayunda is also a prominent figure in the music industry. She released her first album “Panggil Aku…”, featuring the hit single “Tiba-tiba Cinta Datang”, in 2011. With three studio albums and numerous film soundtracks under her belt, Ayunda is making a comeback to the music scene with her fourth studio album “Pada Suatu Hari[5]” releasing in 2024. The new album marks a significant milestone in Ayunda’s musical journey, bringing in a fresher and more authentic perspectives into her works.
Also known for her advocacy in various social issues, particularly education[6][7][8] and youth empowerment[9], Ayunda has been involved in initiatives that promote access to education and foster impactful ripples for Indonesia[10], highlighting her commitment in both the entertainment and social sectors.
Maudy Ayunda was born to parents Didit Jasmedi R. Irawan and Mauren Jasmedi (born 1968). She has a younger sister named Amanda Khairunissa.[13] She married Jesse Jiseok Choi, a Korean-American businessman, in May 2022.[14]
Maudy Ayunda has decided to join Stanford for her master's degree instead of Harvard, because the former offers a joint degree of MBA and Education, which is a combination of her passions.[21]
Career
Maudy Ayunda's first film role was in Untuk Rena (2005) alongside Surya Saputra. Her next film was Sang Pemimpi (2009), directed by Riri Riza, where she played the role of Zakiah Nurmala, the protagonist's love interest.[22] Her song "Mengejar Mimpi" was featured on the soundtrack.
Maudy Ayunda released her debut album, Panggil Aku..., in 2011 that featured 10 songs, one of which she wrote "Tetap Bersama". In 2012, her vocal of "Perahu Kertas", written by Dewi Lestari[24] was used for the soundtrack of Perahu Kertas.
Maudy Ayunda performing in 2017
In January 2014, she recorded a duet "By My Side" with David Choi. The song was well-received in Indonesia and released on iTunes Music Indonesia[25][26] and as a YouTube video on 19 March 2014.[27] She released her second studio album Moments on 1 April 2015. In 2015, she also released three singles: "Cinta Datang Terlambat", "Bayangkan Rasakan" and "Untuk Apa" and earned a Multi-Platinum award for selling over 200.000 copies.[28]
In 2020, Maudy Ayunda was named to Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" list in the entertainment and sports category.[30]
In March 2022, she was appointed as a spokesperson for the upcoming G20 summit in Indonesia, scheduled to be held in November 2022[31] Her appointment sparked criticism from some, with some saying that she has no experience in the diplomacy, international relations and calling it a "gimmick".[32][33][34] Bloomberg News questioned her appointment, calling it is a vanity appointment by the government to connect with the young population, while young Indonesians face high unemployment and rising living costs.[35] Wasito Raharjo, a political researcher at BRIN, says her appointment is an attempt to "dismiss criticism from the youth on critical issues."
Maudy Ayunda is involved in the campaign against modern slavery, which includes forced labor, marriage and dangerous labor. In March 2017, she was appointed a spokesperson against modern slavery at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Through her work, she tries to acquaint her audience with the realities of modern slavery, and uses social media platforms to promote that message.[38][39]
^Putriyantini (4 April 2015). "Maudy Ayunda Rilis Album 'Moments'" [Maudy Ayunda released 'Moments' album]. Gadis (in Indonesian). Retrieved 25 January 2018.
