Sukatani controversy: Music and resistance

Setiawan, Aris (2025) Sukatani controversy: Music and resistance. The Jakarta Post. ISSN -

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Abstract

This article examines the controversy surrounding the Indonesian music group Sukatani, highlighting the role of music as a tool of resistance against institutional hegemony, particularly in the context of social media influence and social control. Sukatani’s song "Buyar Bayar Bayar" went viral on social media, prompting a reaction from authorities, such as the Indonesian National Police, who sought to suppress its critical message. In this context, music serves not only as a medium of free expression but also as an instrument of social control used by those in power to maintain the status quo. However, music also holds the potential to be an effective form of resistance, amplifying dissenting narratives within society. Despite institutional pressure to remove the song, public discourse continued across social media, demonstrating that resistance to hegemony remains possible. This article connects theories such as Gramsci’s concept of hegemony and Adorno’s critique of music’s role in sustaining or challenging power structures. Through social media, music has become a space for discussion, enabling the mobilization of public opinion and resistance against institutional domination.

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