Cholil Mahmud Invites Musicians To Restore Criticalism Through Music Works

JAKARTA - The Greenhouse Effect frontman, Cholil Mahmud, saw that the closeness of music to industry was one of the factors that reduced criticalism in music works.

According to him, the role of industry in eroding the function of music as social criticism has not only happened recently, but has been around for a long time.

"The closeness of music and industry makes things that have to do with revitalizing criticalism" has rarely been the topic raised," Cholil told the media crew after delivering his oration at the #SeniLawanTirani event in the Taman Ismail Marzuki area, Cikini, Central Jakarta, Monday, September 1.

The #SeniLawanTirani event as a response to the socio-political turmoil that has been in the national spotlight in the past week, said Cholil, could be the first step to restore criticality through music.

"This momentum, #SeniLawanTirani, could be the beginning to open all of us, in unclear political conditions, the industry is also not working," said Cholil. Industri needs sensitivities from its artists. If artists are considered more sensitive than society, then transmit that sensitivity.

He continued: 'Their concept is to change society, if injustice occurs, the industry will not be fine either. Unless there is a strong game between capital and the state.'

According to the 49-year-old musician, industry and musicians must be aware that they can realize the slogan that has recently developed in society, "residents take care of the citizens", but through works of art.

"So, residents take care of the citizens in the context of art in their work, they can foster a sense of sensitivity to injustice and oppression, because the worries are real and must be reflected into their works," he concluded.