"If we are so independent, why do we colonize ourselves?" this song asks.
15 November 2016 10:13
Brilio.net/en - Music, especially hip hop music, has a long history of being a platform used to channel one's political frustrations. So it comes as no surprise that just two weeks after the November 4 rally, which saw Islamic hard liners march the streets in a protest against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a catchy rap track titled Negara Ini Bukan Milikmu made its rounds on the internet.
Recorded and uploaded by Wenxi Manofers, the track highlights a seemingly waning respect for Indonesia's Bhinneka Tungal Ika (Unity in Diversity) motto, and a growing air of hatred among religion groups, though he steered clear of naming specific religions.
"A Pancasila country, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, that's what I was taught back in school," he raps. "But reality shows the complete opposite, racism taking over and people overdosing in religion."
"If we are so independent, why do we colonize ourselves?"
In an earlier part of the song, he raps about being Chinese-Indonesian living in Medan, North Sumatra, and how his ancestry doesn't make him any less Indonesian.
"You don't own this country, no need to claim your religion's most badass, this country's home to diverse cultures and races, if you don't get that you might as well go to live on the moon."
You may not exactly dig the music, but this guy has strong points to make.
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