1 day ago
14
February 20, 2025 | 04:17 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian punk band based in Central Java city Purbalingga, Sukatani, announced the withdrawal of their song ‘Bayar Bayar Bayar’ from all music streaming platforms. The song, which criticizes the police, was released as part of their album Gegap Gempita.
The song withdrawal was announced on Sukatani’s social media account @sukatani.band on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The two members of the band, Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti (guitarist) and Novi Citra Indriyati (vocalist), expressed their apologies to the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Chief and the police institution.
They appeared unmasked, something they had never done before, as the members chose to remain anonymous. “We sincerely apologize to Bapak Polri Chief and the entire police institution for our song, entitled ‘Bayar Bayar Bayar,’ which contains the lyrics about paying the police, which went viral on several social media platforms,” said Lutfi.
Lutfi said the song was created as a criticism towards rule-breaking police officers. He also asked for people on social media to delete any circulating videos containing the song, adding that “future risks will no longer be the responsibility of Sukatani.”
The members said at the end of their statement that the apology was sincere and was made without coercion from any party.
Based on Tempo's investigation, the song Bayar Bayar Bayar—bayar translates to pay in English—is no longer available on Sukatani's Spotify and their social media platforms, but remains available to listen on Bandcamp.com.
Tempo is still trying to ask for confirmation from the police about Polri’s connection to the song withdrawal. The head of the public information bureau of the National Police, Brigadier General Pol Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, has yet to respond to Tempo’s confirmation request despite responding to another message.
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Police Reform, Aulia Rizal, lamented the song withdrawal, citing strong suspicion that the request came from Polri. “The song is a form of criticism and must be regarded as materials for evaluation and self-reflection by the police,” said Aulia when contacted on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Aulia said what Sukatani said in the song, which contains lyrics like “paying the police to get driver’s license” and “paying the police to get gigs,” is a public secret. The song, Aulia went on, depicts the status quo.
“What was said in the song is certainly not unfamiliar, it is a public knowledge, and that’s why police reform is dire,” said Aulia.
On the other hand, Aulia believes there are indications of restrictions on freedom of expression conveyed through the song. Whereas, he continues, freedom of expression also includes artistic freedom, which is guaranteed in the Human Rights Law. "Artistic work as a form of critique cannot be restricted and is a form of freedom of expression," said Aulia.
Editor’s Choice: 'Indonesia Gelap': Thousands of Students in Palembang Stage Protest at DPRD
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
German National Found Dead in North Lombok Swimming Pool, Police Say
20 jam lalu
A German national was found dead in a swimming pool of a villa in Gili Air, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
JPPI Condemns Police Repressive Actions towards Papua Mountain Students Rejecting Free Nutritious Meals
2 hari lalu
Papua Mountain students demand free education and easy access to school facilities and medical treatment instead of free nutritious meals.
South Korean Actress Kim Sae-ron Found Dead at Home, Police Official Says
3 hari lalu
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead at her home, a police official with knowledge of the case said on Sunday.
Riau Police Hunt for Mastermind Behind 90 Kg of Crystal Meth Smuggling from Malaysia
3 hari lalu
Riau Police are still continuing the investigation to uncover the crystal meth smuggling network of 90 kilograms brought into Indonesian territory.
Australian Foreigner Suspected of Fighting with Finns Beach Club Security Guard in Kuta Bali
3 hari lalu
Bali Regional Police have named a foreign citizen from Australia as a suspect in a beating case at Finns Beach Club in Kuta Bali.
Police Name Truck Driver as Ciawi Toll Gate Accident Suspect
5 hari lalu
After recovery and examination, the police named the gallon truck driver as a suspect in the Ciawi Toll Gate accident.
Bekasi Seawall: Bareskrim Discovers 93 Forged Ownership Certificates
5 hari lalu
A total of 93 ownership certificates were falsified to expand the certificate's area so that a seawall could be built in the waters of Bekasi.
Time to Overhaul the Police
8 hari lalu
President Prabowo is keeping the police untouched. The institution is increasingly making the people uneasy.
North Sumatra Police Nab Drug Mule, Seize 2 Kg of Meth and 2,000 Ecstasy Pills
8 hari lalu
Based on the drug mule's statement, the police are now pursuing Mail and delving into the involvement of a Malaysian named Ling-ling Tan.
Police Arrest Four Malaysian Nationals for Crystal Meth Distribution Attempt in Jakarta
8 hari lalu
The four Malaysian citizens were planning to distribute 15 kilograms of crystal meth in the Greater Jakarta area.
