Sukatani, a punk rock band hailing from Indonesia, has recently found itself at the center of controversy following the release of their song "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar" (translated as "Pay, Pay, Pay"). The song, which insinuated that police officers were accepting bribes, sparked significant debate. Sukatani, formed in 2022, comprises producer-guitarist Muhammad Syifa Al Ufti, known as Alectroguy, and vocalist Novi Chitra Indriyaki, known as Twister Angel. Both artists often perform while wearing balaclavas, a distinctive feature of their stage presence.
The controversy began when the band released "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar," causing an uproar over its critical lyrics directed at law enforcement. Sukatani clarified that their intention was to criticize only those police officers who violated regulations, not the entire police institution. Despite the backlash, the Central Java Police stated there was no pressure to ban the song. Commissioner Dwi Subagio, director of the police's criminal investigation division, confirmed this stance.
“There is none. Every citizen has the right to express their opinions freely. As far as I know, there is no ban,” – Commissioner Dwi Subagio, the criminal investigation director of Central Java Police.
In light of the situation, Sukatani announced that they would be removing "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar" from streaming platforms. The decision aims to address the misunderstanding while allowing the band to continue their artistic journey. Sukatani remains committed to creating music that voices social criticism and highlights important societal issues.
The band is known for its unique approach to performances, distributing vegetables to audience members in a gesture of solidarity with farmers' struggles. This act symbolizes their support for agricultural communities and aligns with their ethos of social activism.
Sukatani's commitment to addressing social issues through music remains steadfast. The band assured fans that they will continue to express their perspectives through future projects, emphasizing the importance of art in facilitating dialogue and change. By removing the contentious song from digital platforms, Sukatani hopes to pave the way for constructive conversations without compromising their core values.
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