Not One, 3 Dee Lestari Books Become Netflix Oriential Series

Sabrina Rochelle - Dee Lestari - Kamila Andini (Netflix Indonesia)

Happy news for novel lovers Dee Lestari. Her three novels: Paper Boats, Rapijali, and Aroma Karsa will be adapted as original series on Netflix.

This announcement was made in the Netflix Creative Asia SEA session at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) on December 2, 2025 in Jogjakarta.

I always believe that stories have the longest echoes in human journey, and tell stories that are our essence as humans. These three novels have been with Indonesian readers for years and even longer with me, so this project is a big dream come true," said Dee Lestari.

"I am very honored that one of the most prominent platforms in the world will develop these stories, supported by visionary production houses and the most talented people in the industry. I am very grateful for this trust," he said.

Interestingly, these three novels are adapted to three different production houses, so there are different visions and ways of telling stories that are certainly worth waiting for. Rapijali will be done by Starvision, the Paper Boat will be done by Visinema, and the Aroma of Karsa with Screenplay Films and Forka Films.

The Aroma Karsa series will be directed by Kamila Andini as well as marking the latest collaboration with Netflix after the Kretek Girl series.

The Carsa Aroma Book that I first read in 2018 left a very deep impression on my mind and heart. Without me realizing it, the book inspired me to create visual sensory elements in the Kretek Girls," recalls Kamila Andini.

The Rapijali series will be done by Sabrina Rochelle Kalangie. This series is his latest project after successfully working on the Home Sweet Loan.

"I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to adapt Rapijali into a new medium. The story about being today centers on music, which makes the story very lively and interesting," said Sabrina Rochelle Kalagie.

In addition, Starvision has not announced who will direct the Paper Boat series. The Rapijali series has entered the production stage with Netflix, while pre-production for Paper Boats and Aroma Karsa.