We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Indonesia-Heavy Metal Music
HEADLINE: Heavy metal music has a home in Indonesia
PUBLISHED AT: 05/07/2024 at noon
BYLINE: Dave Grunebaum
DATELINE: Jakarta, Indonesia
VIDEOGRAPHER: Dave Grunebaum
SCRIPT EDITORS: sv; caw
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA Original,
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV X RADIO ___
TRT: 2:42
VIDEO: VOA original
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: —
--- Separate Webscript and photos for a slideshow are included))
((INTRO:))
[[Heavy metal music is controversial in some conservative societies but quite popular in the world’s largest Muslim majority country. As Dave Grunebaum reports, heavy metal has a home in Indonesia.]]
((PKG))
((Nat sound pop of prayers))
((NARRATION))
During the 6 p.m. prayer break, these Indonesians simultaneously show their Muslim faith and passion for the type of music that’s playing just outside this prayer area.
((Nats, heavy metal music from concert))
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, is home to Hammersonic, Southeast Asia’s biggest annual heavy metal music festival. This year’s show drew 55 bands from around the world and about 38-thousand fans -- many saying the music offers themes they can relate to.
((Dian Ranidita, Heavy Metal Fan (female in English)))
“For instance, romantic themes when you have a broken heart or you’re feeling like falling in love with someone and also if you’re feeling depressed there are also depression themes and when you’re feeling like you want to release your adrenaline.”
((NARRATION))
Dian Ranidita has been a heavy metal fan for more than two decades.
((Dian Ranidita, Heavy Metal Fan (female in English) ))
“The stereotype of heavy music is always dark, violent, aggression, aggressive and also like a devil. But actually, heavy metal is not like that.”
((Pri Ario Damar, Jakarta Institute of Arts (male in English) ))
"In some of the Muslim countries heavy metal is very rejected, restricted. They don’t allow that kind of music because it’s considered blasphemy.”
((NARRATION))
Pri Ario Damar is the dean of the performing arts faculty at the Jakarta Institute of Arts.
Damar says Indonesia is more open to cultural influences from foreign countries than some conservative Muslim countries.
((Pri Ario Damar, Jakarta Institute of Arts (male in English)))
“Indonesia is a moderate Muslim country; that’s why we are very open in any possibility or any influence.”
((nat sound pop of Sisi Selatan performing))
((NARRATION))
Sisi Selatan is an Indonesian heavy metal band with songs about love as well as social activism.
((RADIO TRACK: Adi Wibowo is the band’s guitarist))
((Adi Wibowo, Heavy Metal Guitarist (male in Indonesian)))
“Why is it metal music can penetrate Indonesia easily and become popular?
It’s not only metal music but also Korean, Japanese, Indian music. We accept foreign cultures and influence.”
((nat sound pop of Denisa singing))
((NARRATION))
Singer Denisa Dhaniswara says not only is Indonesia’s heavy metal fan base growing but its heavy metal performers are becoming better and better.
((Denisa Dhaniswara, Heavy Metal Singer (female in English) ))
“Indonesia has a lot of newer heavy metal bands and that makes me very happy because we’re always emerging, I guess. Always finding out new stuff. Everybody’s so creative.”
((NARRATION))
And that creative spark has helped give heavy metal a prominent place in Indonesian society.
((Dave Grunebaum VOA News, Jakarta))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateMay 7, 2024 12:43 EDT
BylineDave Grunebaum
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
