Indra Lesmana's View Of Jazz Music Development In Indonesia

Indra Lesmana (Instagram @alain_goenawan)

JAKARTA - jazz music in Indonesia has grown for more than 58 years, at least from the appearance of Indonesian All Stars in 1966, consisting of Jack Lesmana, Bubi Chen, Benny Mustapha, Maryono, and Jopie Chen.

Indra Lesmana, one of Indonesia's current senior jazz keyboardists, can be said to be a consistent musician, who has not stopped music since 1976.

In general, the 58-year-old musician sees the development of jazz music in Indonesia today as very good. He saw many younger musicians continue to emerge.

Those who appear, said Indra, have better technical abilities.

"I see from what I see directly and indirectly, now many young people are growing up in music with very capable technical abilities, much better than when I was their age," said Indra Lesmana during a virtual interview with VOI some time ago.

Many children in their 20s are good. There are even younger talents, from ages 10-11 years," he continued.

Indra sees technological developments as important with the many young jazz musicians who have sprung up.

Compared to the beginning when he studied jazz, Indra saw that young musicians are currently making it easier to learn many things.

However, Indra has one important note for young jazz musicians. He highlighted the importance of character for a jazz musician, to show himself differently.

"The progress is very fast, there are very many musicians who are good. Well, it's just a matter of how these people grow not only as good players, but also with character," said Indra Lesmana.

"So I hope that young people are now even more daring to make fresh, new works, which can give rise to them as individuals who have strong characters," he said.