Punk music and social criticism in Indonesia. The controversy of the song Bayar Bayar Bayar and the institutional response

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33732/ASRI.6859

Keywords:

Punk music, controversy, Bayar Bayar Bayar song, social criticism, indonesian institutions

Abstract

The song Bayar Bayar Bayar by the punk band Sukatani sparked controversy in Indonesia, showing how punk music has become a tool of social criticism of economic policies and structural injustices. This issue is important in the broader discourse on cultural censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of institutions in responding to social criticism through music. This research aims to analyze the meaning of the song's lyrics, public and media reactions, and institutional responses to them. Using a qualitative method with critical discourse analysis, this study examines media texts, audiovisual recordings, and interviews with academics. The results of the analysis show that punk music remains a form of resistance to state hegemony, despite facing censorship and silencing. Thus, the repressive response to music with social criticism strengthens the song's appeal as a symbol of resistance. This study emphasizes the need for more inclusive cultural policies, as well as more open dialogue between artists and institutions to accommodate freedom of expression in public spaces.

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Author Biographies

Dedy Afriadi, Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh

Dedy Afriadi es un profesor y artista indonesio que participa activamente en la investigación académica, curatorial y de artes visuales y culturales de Aceh. Completó su formación de posgrado en ISI Yogyakarta y su doctorado en ISI Surakarta, y ha participado en diversas conferencias y actividades artísticas a nivel nacional e internacional. También es reconocido como músico tradicional acehés (seurune kale), investigador y facilitador de diversas formaciones académicas centradas en publicaciones científicas y en el fortalecimiento de los valores culturales locales en el discurso del arte contemporáneo.

Benny Andiko, Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh

Benny Andiko es profesor del Departamento de Artes Escénicas del Instituto Indonesio de Artes Culturales y Cultura de Aceh. Completó su formación de primer ciclo en el Programa de Estudios de Artes Musicales y segundo ciclo en el Programa de Estudios de Creación y Evaluación Artística del ISI Padangpanjang. Durante su carrera académica, llevó a cabo actividades del Tridharma de la Educación Superior en el desarrollo y la preservación de las artes tradicionales mediante el uso de la tecnología. Además, participa en diversos eventos de artes escénicas tanto locales como nacionales e internacionales como profesional, director de producción, director de escena y diseñador de sonido.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Afriadi, D., & Andiko, B. (2025). Punk music and social criticism in Indonesia. The controversy of the song Bayar Bayar Bayar and the institutional response. ASRI. Art and Society. Journal for Research in Arts and Digital Humanities, (29), e6859. https://doi.org/10.33732/ASRI.6859

Issue

No. 29 (2025): OpenASRI. Miscelaneous Journal

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Artículos

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