 Directed by Encep Masduki and starring Nia Ramadhani as the title character, Ser Yozha Reza as Samsulbahri, and Anwar Fuady as Datuk Meringgih, the series introduced a new character as a competitor for Samsul's affections.In 2009, "Sitti Nurbaya" was one of eight classics of Indonesian literature chosen by Taufik Ismail to be reprinted in a special Indonesian Cultural Heritage Series edition; "Sitti Nurbaya" featured a West Sumatran-style woven cloth cover.Actress Happy Salma was chosen as its celebrity icon.