Music Observer: Responding To Criticism Through Songs Is The Same As Seeing Community Demonstrations

Sukatani (Instagram @noisaresip)

JAKARTA - Music observer Mudya Mustam saw the criticism delivered by the punk duo from Purbalingga, Sukatani through his song entitled 'Pay Pay' is something that is commonly encountered in the realm of 'underground' music.

Mudya saw an apology from Sukatani and the withdrawal of the song 'Pay Pay' was something that should not have been charged to Novi Citra Indriyati alias Twister Angel (vocals) and Muhammad Syifa Al Lutfi alias Alectroguy (guitar).

"We all know for sure that this is the result of the intervention of the apparatus, not a personal initiative from the Sukatani side. An apology should have come from the police, as a protector and protector of the community. There was a protest 'Pay Payment' because it was based on the reality that happened in the field. It has become a common secret, "said Mudya via text message to VOI, Monday, February 24.

Criticism of the authorities, said Mudya, is one of the main menus in the realm of punk music. Therefore, there will be so many songs from the realm of punk music as well as rock and metal that voice strong protests over the socio-political conditions that are considered unnatural.

The way of looking at the works that are full of criticism, should be seen as normal, like community demonstrations that often appear on the streets.

"It's the same with how we look at demonstration activities that are even given official permission. Each of them conveys their aspirations in the way they understand it," he said.

Meanwhile, the struggle for freedom that is restrained is one of the issues that musicians often voice from the realm of punk music and other loud music sub-genres.

"That's why when Sukatani was silenced, many parties reacted strongly, because the expression space was intervened by the authorities," said Mudya.

"Even though their lyrics are social criticism, as part of democratic life. The authorities should be able to answer this by making official clarifications if they have objections, not by 'criminalizing' Sukatani personnel," he continued.

But behind that, Mudya appreciated the cohesiveness of the musicians who supported and stood with Sukatani. This support does not only come from the underground realm, it even comes out through the big names who are members of the Federation of Indonesian Musicians (FESMI).

Very proud and touched. It turns out that unity and cohesiveness can occur when expressions through art are tackled. It doesn't matter if they come from the underground or mainstream, even from various official organizations in the field of music. One of them is an official statement from FESMI," he said.