Sukatani, a band from Purbalingga, Central Java, recently wrapped their Australian tour, covering multiple cities including Sydney and Melbourne.
Sukatani’s music is overall dynamic, with distinctive 1980s new wave beat and instrument styles, melodic yet powerful vocals, and critical yet poetic lyrics.
The song Realitas Konsumerisme, for example, pokes at a lifestyle ensnared by multiple debts and obligations due to wanting to consume products that are in reality out of financial reach, nor are they vital for life.
Meanwhile, the lyrics for Gelap Gempita, another Sukatani song, are seemingly critical of a corrupt government.
SBS Indonesian chatted with one of Sukatani’s members, who uses the stage name Alectroguy, who said that while their tour schedule was packed, the journey had been exciting for him, since it was also his first time being in Australia.
Sukatani’s Sydney show attracted several Indonesian fans, who are keen on seeing the band live. One enthusiastic audience member Rahmat Sudarmanto, or Anto, who has lived in Sydney for over a decade, expressed hope that more Indonesian bands make it to Australia.
Sukatani also managed to capture the hearts of local punters, such as Alfonsina, who said she was mesmerised by the vocalist Twister Angel’s strong stage presence.
According to Alectroguy, the name Sukatani brings with it an image of a peaceful, prosperous rural life. However, despite such a hopeful name and critical song lyrics, he said he was not hoping to change the world at this point – simply taking more steps to build connections and share stories with other musicians around the world.
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