Punk Band Faces Censorship Battle

The censorship of Indonesian punk band Sukatani’s song Bayar, Bayar, Bayar has ignited a national debate on freedom of expression. The song, which criticizes alleged police corruption, became an anthem for student protesters opposing government policies in early 2025. However, its popularity also attracted the attention of authorities.

On February 22, Sukatani’s members, Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti and Novi Citra Indriyati, posted an apology video urging listeners to delete the song. This marked a significant departure for the duo, known for performing under stage names and masks. While the police have denied pressuring the band, six officers from the Central Java Police are now under internal investigation for alleged intimidation.

Human rights organizations and fellow musicians have condemned the incident, warning of increasing censorship and threats to artistic freedom. Supporters have taken to social media, using #KamiBersamaSukatani to express solidarity. In Bandung, protesters played the song outside the police headquarters, while acts of vandalism in Central Java signal deepening unrest.

Legal experts argue that the suppression of Bayar, Bayar, Bayar violates Indonesia’s constitutional guarantee of free speech. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between civil society and the state, with artists and activists questioning whether critical voices are still welcome in the country’s democratic space.

Background:

The censorship case involving the Indonesian punk band Sukatani and their song "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar" (Pay, Pay, Pay) has sparked significant controversy and protests in Indonesia. Here's an introduction and background to the situation:

In 2023, Sukatani, a punk rock duo from Central Java, released the song "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar" as part of their album "Gelap Gempita"13. The song's lyrics criticized alleged corruption within the Indonesian police force, accusing them of taking bribes for various services such as issuing driving licenses, freeing detainees, and conducting evictions12.

The song gained widespread popularity in February 2025, becoming an anthem for student protesters demonstrating against President Prabowo Subianto's budget cuts and policies12. However, this increased attention also led to a confrontation with authorities.

On February 22, 2025, Sukatani posted a video on social media apologizing for the song and urging users to delete any recordings or videos featuring its lyrics3. The band members, Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti (guitarist) and Novi Citra Indriyati (vocalist), revealed their real identities in this video, breaking from their usual practice of performing with full-face masks and stage names3.

The positions of those involved are as follows:

  1. Sukatani: The band claims they created the song to criticize police officers who violate regulations13. However, they were compelled to apologize and remove the song from streaming platforms.

  2. Indonesian Police: While not officially admitting to forcing the band's actions, six officers from the Central Java Police are under internal investigation for allegedly intimidating Sukatani5.

  3. Human Rights Groups and Musicians: These groups have condemned the alleged intimidation of the band, viewing it as censorship and a threat to freedom of expression13.

  4. Protesters and Supporters: Students, civil society groups, and fellow musicians have expressed strong support for Sukatani, using the hashtag #KamiBersamaSukatani (we are with Sukatani) on social media5.

  5. Legal Experts: Some argue that the ban and intimidation of Sukatani constitute a violation of Indonesia's constitution, which guarantees citizens' freedom of expression6.

The incident has led to widespread public outcry, with protests occurring in various parts of Indonesia. In Bandung, protesters installed a large banner declaring "We are with Sukatani" and played the song in front of the city's police headquarters1. The controversy has also resulted in acts of vandalism on government buildings in Purbalingga regency, Central Java7.

This case has reignited debates about freedom of expression in Indonesia and the role of art in social critique, highlighting tensions between authorities and those who seek to challenge perceived corruption and abuse of power.

Posted
AuthorLitangen
CategoriesCensorship in Arts
TagsIndonesia, Sukatani