The Indonesian entertainment landscape has long been captivated by the lives of celebrity siblings, but few have garnered as much consistent public attention as Hasyakyla Utami and her younger sister, Adhisty Zara. Originating from Bandung, West Java, the two sisters have navigated a unique path from the disciplined world of "idoldom" to the multifaceted realms of acting and social media influence. Their relationship, characterized by a blend of fierce public loyalty and candid sibling rivalry, offers a compelling look at the pressures and triumphs of growing up in the spotlight of the Jakarta-based media industry.
The Foundation of Stardom: The JKT48 Era and the Fifth Generation
The professional journey of Hasyakyla and Zara began in earnest when they joined JKT48, the first overseas sister group of the Japanese idol phenomenon AKB48. Both sisters were introduced as part of the 5th generation of the group, a cohort that entered the industry during a period of significant transition for the idol collective. Being siblings in the same generation is a rarity in the 48Group system, which inherently places members in a competitive environment where popularity is measured by handshake event sales, social media engagement, and the "Senbatsu Sousenkyo" (general elections).
During their tenure in JKT48, the sisters were often seen performing together on the theater stage at fX Sudirman. However, even in these early years, their distinct personalities began to emerge. Adhisty Zara, often referred to simply as Zara, quickly rose to become a "center" candidate, possessing a natural charisma that resonated with the fanbase. Hasyakyla, known as Kyla, carved out her own niche with a personality often described as more outspoken and edgy compared to the traditional "sweet idol" archetype.
Their time in JKT48 served as a rigorous training ground. The idol system demands extreme discipline, long rehearsal hours, and a strictly managed public image. For two sisters navigating adolescence under these conditions, the experience served to both forge a deep bond and create the first seeds of the public comparison that would follow them throughout their careers.
Divergent Career Paths and Acting Breakthroughs
As the sisters transitioned out of JKT48—with Kyla graduating in 2019 and Zara shortly thereafter—their career trajectories began to diverge, further fueling public discourse. Adhisty Zara experienced a meteoric rise in the Indonesian film industry. Her breakout role as Disa in the blockbuster "Dilan 1990" (2018) was followed by a critically acclaimed performance in "Dua Garis Biru" (2019), where she played a pregnant teenager. These roles established her as one of the most sought-after young actresses in the country, earning her several prestigious nominations and awards.
Hasyakyla, meanwhile, pursued a path that favored web series and independent-leaning projects. Her filmography includes titles like "Before I Met You" and various digital streaming series that allowed her to explore more diverse, often more mature, character arcs. While Zara was frequently the face of mainstream cinema, Kyla became a staple of the burgeoning digital content scene. This difference in professional "weight" led to frequent comparisons by fans and the media, with some observers unfairly framing their relationship as a competition for the spotlight.
The Dynamics of Sibling Rivalry and Public Perception
One of the most notable aspects of the Kyla-Zara relationship is their refusal to adhere to the "perfect sibling" trope often curated by celebrity PR teams. They have been remarkably open about the "dinamika khas saudara" (typical sibling dynamics) that define their daily lives. This includes what they describe as "perang kecil" or small wars—minor arguments and bickers that are common in any household but are magnified when played out in the public eye.
Social media has been the primary stage for these interactions. The sisters are known to trade "sindiran pedas" (sharp sarcasm) on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. While some fans interpret these exchanges as signs of a genuine rift, those closer to the sisters’ journey recognize it as a manifestation of their Bandung upbringing and their comfort with one another. They frequently share anecdotes from their childhood, discussing their habits and quirks with a level of transparency that is rare for Indonesian celebrities.
This transparency has occasionally backfired, leading to headlines about "feuds" between the two. However, industry analysts suggest that this authenticity is exactly what makes them relatable to Gen Z audiences. In an era where "perfection" is often viewed with skepticism, the messy, honest, and sometimes volatile relationship between Kyla and Zara feels authentic to their followers.
Crisis Management and Mutual Defense
The true depth of the bond between Hasyakyla and Adhisty Zara is perhaps most visible during times of controversy. The Indonesian entertainment industry is known for its intense scrutiny of the private lives of young stars, and both sisters have faced their share of public backlash.
Adhisty Zara, in particular, has been the subject of several viral controversies that sparked significant debate on Indonesian social media. During these periods of intense public "hujatan" (denigration), Hasyakyla has consistently "pasang badan"—a local idiom meaning to put oneself on the line or act as a shield—for her younger sister. Despite their public bickering, Kyla has been a vocal defender of Zara’s right to privacy and her humanity, often calling out the hypocrisy of internet commenters.
Conversely, Zara has also stood up for Kyla when the elder sister faced criticism. Whether the issues pertained to career choices, personal style, or social media statements, the younger sister has frequently utilized her massive platform to demand respect for her sibling. This "us-against-the-world" mentality, which emerges primarily during crises, serves as the bedrock of their relationship. It indicates that while they may argue over the trivial, their loyalty in the face of external threats is absolute.
Socio-Cultural Context: The "Sibling Brand" in Indonesia
The fascination with the Kyla-Zara dynamic is situated within a broader Indonesian cultural context that prizes family ties. In the Indonesian media market, "sibling brands" are highly lucrative. From the Al, El, and Dul trio to the Zalianty sisters, family units often navigate the industry as a collective force.
For Hasyakyla and Zara, their identity as "The Sundari Sisters" (referencing their middle names and family lineage) provides a marketing hook that benefits both. Brands often look to cast them together to capture the chemistry of their real-life relationship. However, this also presents a challenge: the difficulty of being recognized as individual artists rather than just "Zara’s sister" or "Kyla’s sister."
The psychological impact of this constant comparison cannot be understated. Professional analysis of celebrity siblings suggests that the "younger-overachiever" vs. "older-rebel" narrative is a common archetype that the media imposes on them. In the case of Kyla and Zara, Kyla often adopts the persona of the more grounded, cynical observer, while Zara remains the high-energy star. Navigating these roles while trying to maintain a healthy personal relationship requires a level of emotional maturity that both have had to develop rapidly.
Timeline of Key Milestones
To understand their current standing, one must look at the chronology of their shared and individual successes:
- 2016: Both sisters join JKT48 as 5th Generation trainees, marking their official entry into the professional entertainment industry.
- 2017-2018: Zara is cast in "Dilan 1990," becoming a household name. Kyla begins to establish her presence on social media as a style and lifestyle influencer.
- 2019: Graduation from JKT48. This year marks their transition from idols to independent artists. Zara stars in "Dua Garis Biru," solidifying her A-list status.
- 2020-2021: The sisters face various social media storms. This period is marked by Kyla’s most vocal defenses of Zara, establishing their public "protector" dynamic.
- 2022-2024: Both sisters expand their portfolios. Kyla takes on more acting roles in streaming series, while Zara explores theater and higher-concept films. They continue to appear together in various talk shows and digital content, reinforcing their "relatable sisters" image.
Implications for the Future of Young Talent in Indonesia
The trajectory of Hasyakyla and Adhisty Zara serves as a blueprint for the modern Indonesian celebrity. Their journey highlights the shift from the highly controlled "idol" environment to the more autonomous, albeit more scrutinized, world of independent stardom.
Their story also underscores the importance of mental health support for young performers. Growing up in the public eye, especially alongside a sibling, creates a unique set of pressures. The fact that Kyla and Zara have managed to maintain a functional, loving, and supportive relationship despite the industry’s attempts to pit them against each other is a testament to their personal resilience and the strength of their family unit.
As they continue to mature, the public can expect the "Kyla-Zara" dynamic to evolve. While the "perang kecil" may continue to provide entertainment for their followers, the underlying narrative is one of two women navigating the complexities of fame, womanhood, and sisterhood in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. They remain a dominant force in the Indonesian Gen Z zeitgeist, proving that while individual talent is vital, the bond of family remains an unbeatable asset in the volatile world of show business.
