Anthology of Syams' Works

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 Although the song was eventually withdrawn and the band issued an apology, its presence sparked a broader discussion about freedom of expression, art as a tool for social critique, and the fine line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....