An Indonesian punk rock band’s apology for their anti-police song has sparked an outcry from rights groups in the country who claim the case is yet another example of intimidation by authorities.
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Critics warn the recent flurry of perceived crackdown on art and performances critical of the government is “typical” of Suharto’s New Order regime, and risks snuffing out cultural acts with its supposedly heavy-handed approach.
Sukatani, a punk rock duo hailing from Purbalingga in Central Java, went viral after they uploaded a video on Instagram on Thursday apologising for their song “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar”, or “Pay, Pay, Pay”, which denounces police over corruption.
The song’s lyrics include allegations that police can be bribed for obtaining a driving licence, avoiding traffic summons, being freed from jail, and even clearing forests and conducting evictions.
“We sincerely apologise to the chief of police and the police institution,” Sukatani producer and guitarist Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti, whose stage name is Alectroguy, said in a video posted on social media.
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“Actually, I created the song for police officers who violate the rules. With this, I appeal to all social media users [to remove] all videos using our song.”