The song Bayar Bayar Bayar by the punk band Sukatani became a hot topic on social media due to its sharp lyrics criticizing bribery within the police institution. Although the song was eventually withdrawn and the band issued an apology, its presence sparked a broader discussion about freedom of expression, art as a tool for social critique, and the fine line between criticism and defamation.
Throughout history, music has served as a powerful medium for expressing social unrest. From Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, which criticized war, to Iwan Fals’ songs that highlight social inequalities in Indonesia, music has the power to document, reflect, and even provoke social change.
The lyrics of Bayar Bayar Bayar speak to an experience familiar to many when dealing with bureaucratic corruption. This song is not merely an outburst of anger but also a representation of an undeniable social reality. In this case, punk music serves as a channel for voicing frustrations against a flawed system.
Punk and the Tradition of Social Criticism
Since its emergence in the 1970s, punk music has been deeply rooted in resistance against the system. Bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Dead Kennedys often voiced dissatisfaction with government policies, capitalism, and social injustice. In Indonesia, punk has similarly evolved as a medium for criticizing issues such as social inequality, government repression, and economic disparity.
Within this tradition, Bayar Bayar Bayar continues punk’s legacy as a protest music genre. With direct and satirical lyrics, the song exposes a problem that people often discuss in whispers: the presence of "grease money" in various aspects of public service.
The Dilemma of Free Expression and Social Censorship
While art serves as a medium for expression and critique, it often encounters boundaries set by legal and social norms. Bayar Bayar Bayar became controversial because it was perceived as an attack on a specific institution. After going viral, Sukatani retracted the song and issued an apology, demonstrating how political and social pressures can influence artistic freedom.
On one hand, the song’s criticism reflects a reality experienced by many. On the other, when criticism is explicitly directed at a particular institution, it risks being seen as a personal attack rather than a systemic critique. This highlights the dilemma within free expression: how far can art go before it faces legal or social consequences?
Art, Criticism, and Social Change
History has shown that art can be an effective tool for driving social change. Criticism conveyed through music, literature, or film is often more accessible to the public than political speeches or academic analyses.
However, in the case of Bayar Bayar Bayar, the response leaned more towards censorship and pressure to withdraw the work. This reveals the ongoing challenges to freedom of expression in Indonesia, especially when criticisms target institutions with significant power.
Conclusion
The song Bayar Bayar Bayar exemplifies how art can serve as a mirror of social reality. Within punk’s tradition, criticism of corrupt systems is nothing new, and this song continues that spirit in the Indonesian context. However, the response to the song also highlights the limitations imposed on freedom of expression by social and political forces.
Should art always conform to these boundaries, or is it the very purpose of art to challenge them? This remains a key debate in democratic societies. What is clear is that as long as inequality and injustice persist, art will always find a way to speak out.