Although Chrisye's previous albums had been pure pop, continuing the success of
Badai Pasti Berlalu (
The Storm Shall Surely Pass; 1977), with
Pantulan Cita Chrisye and his collaborator
Jockie Soerjoprajogo began experimenting, mixing rock sounds. Chrisye was uncertain that this would work. The album was recorded with Chrisye on vocals and
bass guitar, Jockie on
keyboard, Jerry on
electric and
acoustic guitar, and Yaya M. on
drums. Indah Sukotjo provided backing vocals for "Tragedi Badai" ("Tragedy of the Storm"). The
arrangement was handled by Jockie, who also wrote most of the lyrics; Harry Sabar wrote the lyrics for three songs, while Jockie did seven. Ayik Soegeng, who had previously designed the cover for
Guruh Gipsy – a collaboration between
Guruh Sukarnoputra and Sabda Nada, a band featuring Chrisye – in 1976, was selected to design the cover for
Pantulan Cita. The photographers Firman Ichsan and Tara Sastrowardoyo initially intended to have a portrait of Chrisye holding a headshot of himself over his face. However, the photographer later decided that portraying Chrisye's face on a puzzle would be more effective. Soegeng was asked to create the puzzle, taking the photograph initially meant to be held by Chrisye, gluing it to
plywood, then cutting out the puzzle with a
jigsaw. Chrisye was pleased with the result. ==Release and reception==