Sukatani - a synth-punk /post-punk band from Purbalingga, Central Java - has announced that it will be removing its viral song 'Bayar, Bayar, Bayar' ('Pay, Pay, Pay') from streaming platforms such as Spotify.
The song, which was from their 2023 album Gelap Gempita, was “created for police officers that violate regulations” through acts such as extortion and bribery - insinuating that some law enforcement in Indonesia were corrupt. 'Bayar, Bayar, Bayar' includes lyrics that translate as “Reporting a lost item? Pay the police! Want to become a police officer? Pay the police! Want to commit corruption? Pay the police!”.
On 20 February, the band’s guitarist and producer, Alectroguy (Muhammad Syifa Al Ufti), alongside the band’s singer Twister Angel (Novi Chitra Indriyaki), issued a sudden apology to the police force and clarified that: "I originally wrote the song as a critique of corrupt police officers. I now urge everyone who has uploaded ‘Bayar Bayar Bayar’, particularly those using the lyric ‘pay the police’, to delete it.”
Ulti added, “With this, I appeal to all social media users who already have our song to delete and withdraw all videos that use the song. Otherwise, should there be a risk in the future, it is not our responsibility.”
The statement was surprising in of itself, considering their ethos as a socially conscious protest band who used their music to shed light on systemic injustices and abuses of power. But the fact that the band revealed their identities on camera was especially shocking to fans, as Sukatani typically wore balaclavas and masks at shows and on camera to protect their anonymity.
Many online and in Indonesia's punk community have suggested that coercion and intimidation from the National Police influenced the band’s abrupt decision to censor their own song.
Police Reform Coalition coordinator Aulia Rizal said to tempo.co, "As a public institution, the National Police should view this song as constructive criticism and use it for reflection. The lyrics touch on what is essentially public knowledge. The problems within the police are no secret, and this song only reflects that reality."
He further warns of the broader implications of this development as freedom of expression is guaranteed under Indonesia's human rights laws, "Artistic expression is a form of free speech and should not be limited. Like this song, critical works play a crucial role in democratic discourse.”
The Central Java Police denied exerting any pressure on Sukatani or banning their song. “Every citizen has the right to express their opinions freely. As far as I know, there is no ban,” said Commissioner Dwi Subagio, the criminal investigation director of Central Java Police, in a public statement.
However, as reported by Serayu News, some Sukatani band personnel had “disappeared” or been “intercepted” just prior to the posting of Sukatani's apology video. Sukatani crew member Dilan revealed to the outlet that the band was stopped when they were about to cross from Bali to Banyuwangi on their way home. Later on, Dilan provided an update that Sukatani personnel were safe and had not been arrested.
The hashtag #WeStandForSukatani or #KamiBersamaSukatani has appeared on various social media due to this incident, with many offering messages of solidarity. Even prominent music critic Anthony Fantano has voiced his concern and support.
