Sukatani and the Eradication of Musicians' Creativity

JAKARTA – The Federation of Indonesian Musicians Unions (FESMI) said that the withdrawal of the song titled "Bayar Bayar Bayar" could hamper the creativity of musicians. Meanwhile, music observer Mudya Mustamin said that criticism of those in power is common in punk music.

The punk duo from Purbalingga Sukatani suddenly became the center of attention in the past week. The reason was the emergence of a video apologizing for the song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" whose lyrics are full of criticism of naughty police officers.

In addition to uploading a video apologizing to the Chief of Police General Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the Polri institution, Sukatani also decided to withdraw the circulation of their song.

"Through this statement, I have withdrawn and withdrawn the song we created entitled 'Bayar Bayar Bayar.' I hereby appeal to all social media account users who already have our song to delete and withdraw all videos that use our song," said one of Sukatani's personnel with the stage name Alectroguy in the apology video uploaded on Thursday (20/2/2025).

The upload of the apology video, plus the withdrawal of the song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" gave rise to speculation that they were under pressure from the authorities. Moreover, in the apology video, the Sukatani duo revealed their identities, by introducing themselves as Novi Citra Indriyati alias Twister Angel (vocals) and Muhammad Syifa Al Lutfi alias Alectroguy (guitar). In addition, they also removed the masks they usually wear during performances.

Main Menu of Punk Music

In the midst of the viral apology video, the electro-punk duo Sukatani was flooded with support. Not only from the wider community, but also from musicians. The #KamiBersamaSukatani movement emerged on social media as a form of support for them.

The song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" by Sukatani is also increasingly popular, and even echoed throughout the demonstration titled Indonesia Gelap some time ago.

Music observer Mudya Mustamin said that criticism of the government or the authorities is something that is commonly found in many bands that carry punk music like Sukatani.

“Despite the commotion of the banning case, the song ‘Bayar Bayar Bayar’ is actually a common thing if the context is in the punk realm,” said Mudya via text message to VOI.

“If you look at its history, punk is very identical with anti-establishment messages, including criticism of the government or rulers. And Sukatani was greatly influenced by the punk attitude in his appearance and musical offerings,” he continued.

Mudya added that criticism of those in power is one of the main menus in punk music. Therefore, there are many songs from the punk, rock and metal genres that contain protests against socio-political conditions that are considered unreasonable.

"And if we talk in the context of music, you could say that punk is also part of the rock derivative, and has influenced the development of metal music. Likewise in terms of lyrics," said Mudya.

In Indonesia, said Mudya, the duo Sukatani were actually not the first to release songs that contained criticism of the government. He gave an example of how senior singer Iwan Fals often criticized the government through songs.

"That's what managed to penetrate the mainstream. In the 'underground' punk realm. There are many more punk supporters, with all kinds of derivatives including Sukatani, who shout out loud protest lyrics," he added.

Social Criticism in the International World

Support for Sukatani was also expressed by the Federation of Indonesian Musicians' Unions (FESMI) through their official Instagram account. The group led by Efek Rumah Kaca frontman Cholil Mahmud rejected “unlawful inhibition of freedom of expression for the Sukatani band”. According to FESMI, what the Sukatani duo experienced could hamper musicians’ creativity.

“The incident could cause fear for musicians in creating works, which would then lead to unnecessary self-censorship and could hamper creativity,” read FESMI’s statement.

“Therefore, the Chief of Police and his staff must ensure that this incident is the last, in accordance with the Chief of Police’s statement.”

FESMI also said that the withdrawal of the song Bayar Bayar Bayar, which allegedly occurred beyond the copyright owner’s will, was a violation and demanded that the rights be restored and returned to their original state.

Using music as a tool to channel social criticism is not only happening in Indonesia. Internationally, a number of music groups have songs with themes of social criticism, even criticizing the government itself.

The American metal band Rage Against the Machine created the song “Killing in the Name” which became a symbol of resistance against oppression and racism. The lyrics highlight social injustice and criticism of the local police.

Another music group that also released a song containing criticism was The Cranberries with the song “Zombie”. This song was written in response to the conflict that once hit Northern Ireland.

“Zombie” highlights the impact of war and violence on the surrounding community. The lyrics describe the pain and loss caused by failed government policies.

Meanwhile, Green Day’s song “American Idiot” is said to be one of the most vulgar in criticizing the government. The song, which was released in 2004, openly criticized US political culture, especially during the George W. Bush era.

Until now, the song American Idiot has not only become a symbol of resistance against social and political injustice, but has also become one of the most iconic works of the band fronted by Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool.