Sukma Ayu was the fourth child of popular Indonesian writer and director Misbach Yusa Biran and actress Nani Widjaja.

After appearing as a model in advertisements for Emeron, Jas Juice etc., Sukma made her debut in television with the serial Wajah Perempuan.

Subsequently she also appeared in other television soaps such as Terpesona , Jin & Jun and Doa dan Anugerah.

However it was the 2002 sitcom Kecil-Kecil Jadi Manten that gave her wide recognition, critical acclaim and popularity among the audience.

She remained in coma for 5 months, and died at her residence in Sentul, Babakan Madang, on 25 September 2004, due to a heart attack at the age of 24.