A punk rock duo from Central Java, Indonesia, has sparked debate over freedom of expression after being pressured to retract a song criticizing police corruption. Sukatani, known for their bold lyrics, issued a public apology and removed their track “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar” from streaming platforms following alleged intimidation by law enforcement officers.
The song, which translates to “Pay, Pay, Pay,” was released in 2023 and quickly gained traction for highlighting issues such as bribery in the police force. It accused officers of accepting payments for issuing driving licenses, facilitating jail releases, and conducting evictions. The track saw renewed popularity in recent weeks as student protesters adopted it as an anthem while demonstrating against President Prabowo Subianto’s economic policies.
Following the song’s surge in popularity, the band members released a video apology. Guitarist Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti clarified that the song was intended to address officers who violated regulations. “We sincerely apologize to the chief of police and the police institution,” he stated, urging the public to remove any remaining copies of the song from social media. Vocalist Novi Citra Indriyati further distanced the band from future repercussions, stating that Sukatani would no longer bear responsibility for the track.
Local media confirmed that the song was removed from all major streaming services, a move that fueled criticism from human rights organizations and fellow musicians. Protesters in Bandung displayed solidarity by erecting banners that read “We are with Sukatani” while playing the controversial song outside the city’s police headquarters.
Public figures also spoke out against the situation. Radio host Soleh Solihun commented under the band’s Instagram post, offering words of encouragement: “Stay strong.” Music critic Anthony Fantano criticized the suppression, writing, “Censorship in the midst of a band speaking out against police corruption—NOT GOOD.”
The Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association suggested that members of the National Police may have coerced the band into retracting the song. Amnesty International’s Indonesia director, Usman Hamid, expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the apology, stating that it would have been “impossible for the Sukatani group to make an apology video addressed to the chief of police and his staff” without external pressure.
In response to the backlash, the Central Java Police launched an internal investigation into six officers accused of intimidating the musicians. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigators from the Internal Affairs Division were reviewing the matter and promised to share the findings with the public upon completion.
This case has reignited conversations about artistic freedom and censorship in Indonesia, with many questioning the role of law enforcement in silencing critical voices.
