Music And Greenhouse Effect Resistance, Petra Sihombing, Bara Suara Echoes Anxiety

JAKARTA - sonic/panic Jakarta was successfully held at M Bloc Space, presenting a mix of music and real action in dealing with environmental crises. This event is a collaboration between IKLIM (The Indonesian Climate Communications, Arts & Music Lab) and M Bloc Entertainment, with the aim of amplifying environmental protection urgency in the midst of rampant policies that are not in favor of sustainability. Carrying the title Forest Punah, Musnah City, the event was attended by more than 500 viewers and featured musicians such as Kaca House Effect ft. Adrian Yunan, Bara Suara, Endah N Rhesa, Voice of Baceprot, Navicula, REP & Tuantigabelas, Matter Mos, Petra Sihombing, Made Mawut, and Bachoxs.

Not only is it a stage to highlight the climate crisis, sonic/panic Jakarta is also a forum for musicians to voice their concerns about the socio-political situation that is being discussed in Indonesia. In the midst of increasingly real restrictions on freedom of expression, many musicians use their songs as a form of resistance and solidarity with various issues faced by the public.

In terms of musicality, sonic/panic Jakarta became a dynamic collaboration space, presenting cross-genre meetings in various special moments on stage. The effect of Greenhouse performing with its former personnel, Adrian Yunan, in a reunion full of nostalgia, before their stage was even more lively with collaboration with Robi Navicula, Iga Massardi, Petra Sihombing, and Endah Widiastuti from Endah N Rhesa. The performances of Petra Sihombing and Matter Mos were also enlivened by the presence of Teddy Adhitya.

When asked about how his involvement in sonic/panic affected his creative process, Iga Massardi, one of the musicians of the first sonic/panic compilation album, expressed his reflection, "It feels very different, yes. In the process of creating songs, I was increasingly encouraged to discuss more real things and have a strong basis. It also affects my latest album. Artistally, I want to convey a message, but from a humanist point of view, I increasingly realize that every thing we consume and use everyday has an impact. This awareness makes me more careful and wise in choosing the products I use.

This event comes amid growing concerns about policies that risk exacerminating exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and threatening the living space of indigenous peoples and urban ecosystems. The issue of limiting freedom of expression through music that recently occurred also shows that voices are critical of social and environmental issues are still facing pressure. The hashtag #IndonesiaGelap, which reflects public unrest about the current social-political situation, further confirms the need for community involvement in overseeing state policies.

In addition to being a space to discuss the urgency of environmental protection, sonic/panic Jakarta, it also seeks to provide more sustainable practices in its implementation. This event provides a water refill station to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, as well as ensure that no products with disposable plastic packaging are used throughout the event, both by visitors and musicians. Food and drinks for musicians as well as committees are served in recyclable containers, with reusable eating utensils and glasses. In fact, the committee bracelet is made from perca cloth as a form of commitment to waste reduction.

This effort confirms that the music industry can take concrete steps to be more environmentally friendly, as well as inspire a music ecosystem that is more aware of its impact on the earth.

sonic/panic Jakarta also aims to amplify messages about the climate crisis through songs from the sonic/panic album and sonic/panic Vol. 2 to a wider audience, having previously been launched through the IKLIM Fest which will be held in 2023 and 2024 in Bali, as well as roadshows in Yogyakarta and Malang. The sonic/panic album itself is a multi-genre compilation that presents a rich voice color that is united by one main focus, namely urgent calls for climate action.

Sonic/panic and sonic/panic Vol.2 compilation albums have involved 28 musicians from various genres voicing their concerns and hopes for the future of the earth. With the energy and enthusiasm built up in Jakarta, musicians who are members of the IKLIM initiative will continue to move. Music as a tool of resistance does not stop on one stage, this message will continue to echo across space and platforms, linking more people to the struggle to face the climate crisis.