JKT48: On Becoming Indonesia
When I am asked what / where Indonesia is, my answer usually is “Indonesia is a nation in South East Asia, comprising a large archipelago between Asia and Australia, as well as between Indian and Pacific Oceans”. While this definition sounds very textbook-like, it does imply a unique geographical characteristics that shape its inhabitants mindset:
1. lies between
Situated between two continent and two ocean, making the Archipelago an important trade zone. As a result, Indonesian people have been in frequent contact with foreign influences throughout their history. Traders from India and China has been around since the Classical Era in India and Han Dynasty in China, Muslim traders came within the 1st century of Islamic calendar, followed by European traders during the Age of Discovery. Beyond trading, they also brought cultural influences with them : knowledge, art, and religion.
2. an archipelago
As a people living in an archipelago, Indonesians process any foreign influences into something that unique of their own. What came as finished products from the outside sources, are treated as a new raw material to enrich existing ones. They are appreciated, internalized, and recreated to fit their new surrouding to make them grow and flourish in their new land. Thus Indian influences took different and unique form as they grew and flourished in Indonesia, so is Islam and European influence.
3. a large archipelago
Perhaps what makes Indonesia unique beside those points above is its scale. Spanning around 5000 km from east to west, this Archipelago of thousands of island makes Indonesia as what I described in a comment for other article in this site
“…composed of many nodes of cultures, big and small. Those nodes’ distance from each other renders their reception of external influences in different proportion from the others, as well as their independence to produce their unique piece of arts. On the other hand, their interaction with each other in a network of cultures blends all those uniqueness into something that we call Indonesia”
Thus Hindu-Buddhist civilization took diversity of forms in Indonesia. The candi in Sumatra, across Java from the West to the East and in Bali has different style, design and layout to reflect such diversity. So does Islam and its influence as well as Christianity – as part of European Influence.
This diversity of forms is what in my opinion are the proofs of particular cultural influences’ survivorship. To be able to live, grow and flourish, they must pass the process of appreciation, internalization, and re-creation to become integrated as part of their new environment. Roughly speaking, this integration process comes in two phases:
1. interraction between foreign influences and particular nodes in Indonesia
2. interraction among nodes in a network called Indonesia
For 48 groups, the first phase has been started since the first Indonesians become their fans. These local nodes appreciated, internalized, and finally re-created the influence by “officially” becoming fans of 48 groups. They perhaps to certain extent expressed their interests by promoting or making works that are inspired by 48 groups. At this point, they might be viewed as exclusive nodes, whose interests are “foreign” / “not mainstream” to most Indonesians. This first phase is still at work as long as there are Indonesians that keep following 48 groups other than JKT48.
The second phase started right after JKT48 formed, JKT48 themselves is the first local node of 48 groups. Other nodes associated with them emerged among the fans, including those who are previously being fans of 48 groups. Among these ‘older’ nodes there might be a continuum between those who rejected and those who supported the existence of JKT48. Those who questioned fell within this continuum with varied inclination toward either sides. Among nodes that newly exposed to 48 group through JKT48, there also be such continuum : from those who reject, to those who question, to those who accept and support. Such landscape of interaction always exist throughout Indonesian history of contact with foreign elements.
It is the second phase that is crucial to determine the survivorship of particular foreign elements in Indonesia : when local nodes that has accepted the influences in varying degree started to interact among themselves. The first phase is still at work simultaneously with the second phase, but its role tend to be secondary. History just repeats itself.
If I am to give my answer to questions posed in the end of previous article about whether JKT48 should “…be the flag bearer of Japan’s idol culture using local faces or the pioneer of an idol culture that is uniquely Indonesian”, my answer will be, they can be both. JKT48 can still be the flag bearer of Japan’s idol culture by following to a certain extent the tradition that their sisters has built, while at the same time become the pioneer of an idol culture that is uniquely Indonesian. The pioneering part requires JKT48 to display certain characters that can be appreciated positively by the population. Their respect to local custom by closing the theatre throughout Ramadhan definitely something that is appreciated. Their attempt to adopt local entertainment format like OVJ48 is another thing to be appreciated.
Yet, the second phase implies the involvement of multiple nodes, not just JKT48 as the central node. Fansites and blogs like JKT48stuff here has their own roles in this phase. Many other associated works like #Bingo! ~ Tribute to 48 Family , or individual works on Youtube like these Dangdut covers and many other should be appreciated as part of this second phase. Even every individual fans on social media from the most hating purists on one end to the most unruly juvenile on the other end has their own roles in this critical phase. The myriad variety of appreciation and re-creation inspired by JKT48 is a living proof that such idol culture can live, grow, and flourish in Indonesia. What is need to be done is to show appreciation, preference, and encouragement to those elements that positively bring such culture into further development. And this last part is not a Mission only for JKT48 to carry, it is also JKT48 Fans’ Mission.
Beyond what Hollywood, Bollywood and Hallyu wave can achieve, 48 groups has a better chance to become part of Indonesian cultural enrichment that will someday determine this nation’s future character.
Nice article.
Even now, is JKT48 not accepted as an Indonesian entertaimnet, but Japanese? Just from my a small experience, when I posted my short commnet in English(revealed that I’m Japanese) on the one of my friend’s facebook in Indonesia. I was sweared. Such as “Japanese are not welcomed”. Ofcourse, in Japan also, such kind of persons are here. But something I cnceived was that JKT48 is generated by Japanese pop-culture, so JKT45 has been hated. In order to cut down such a criticism (if they are), I hope JKT48 will be the one of Indonesian culture, not Japanese one. Even so JKT48 is created by AKS, AkimitoP and Dentsu, Oh forgot MNC (almost Japanese companies and a person), I really implore all the Indonesian JKT48 fans to make JKT48 are not only “local masks”, but “real local faces”. Yes, I know. JOT should make a hard effort to make JKT48 as local heroins. But JKT48 can’t escape from Japanese smells. I am dim. And more, the fans enjoy JKT48 with Japanese pop-culture scent. I got lost. Apologize my long staggered sentences.
Not everyone like JKT48 of course or maybe not accept some Japan thing too, but based on my experience the Japan “taste” is actually something that make a bunch friend of mine have curiosity to know JKT. They say that make them unique. But i am sure that JKT48 personality as an group is genuine.
If the Japanese contents which is installed in JKT48 will be disappeared, will JKT48 be the very Indonnesia? But does the Japan-tic concept “Idol You Can Meet” and the catchy, addictive songs listed on the 48 songs catalogue make your friends to think JKT48 be unique? “Seifuku” and uniquely choreographed “Dance”? I strayed into a maze. When JKT48 will have their own and original song, lyrics written by an Indonesian lyricist, also song written by an Indonesian song writer and arranged by an Indonesian arranger, JKT48 will move toward a real Indonesian idol group? Sometimes it looks “stereo type” I think. But where is a sort of answer?
JKT48 may go in the middle route: by joining the efforts of both a Japanese and Indonesian contributor. For example, the songs are written by Aki-P, while the musical arrangements are done by a local. The combination of both Japanese and Indonesian influence will definitely add a plus on JKT48’s “local taste”.
The problem is, JKT48 still had to pave their way instead of following a fixed way (quoting from KageTora). It’s also because we have no clear picture on how is Indonesia’s original pop culture, so it’s both hard and easy to create a unique culture here.
Oh nice article too BTW, and short explanation about the picture/banner is very welcomed
Personally (and subjectively), I feel they are already Indonesian in terms of presenting the 48 group image here in the country – mostly, when they are delivering MC’s and doing a drama-related things. That drama comedy, meet and greet events, OFC events… participating in those things helped me feel that they are no more an imported product anymore. They are unique, in a way I cannot describe. The unfortunate thing is, these uniqueness are mostly shown either in theater or media-secluded places, so it’s hard for commoners (non fans) to feel it.
JKT48 Missions are rather helpful, but they are just not enough. They need a spontaneous variety show – like JKT48 School – where they can show their characteristics to fulfill their duty on becoming more Indonesia.
However, I guess ‘becoming more Indonesia’ itself is rather debatable. It depends on how people’s perspective, since there are a lot of things to consider to become Indonesia. What did you do to become Indonesia? Is it by integrating traditional music/costumes/dances into their works – which is, in fact, the mainstream mindset of being ‘uniquely Indonesian’ at this time? Or can it be done in any other way? This is the question which still hangs unanswered. The question which arouse debates on JKT48’s existence in our music industry.
Personally, I already had my answer. But I can’t answer it in general understanding for now. As you had said, KageTora, we are still on the process of integrating ‘JKT48’ culture into Indonesia’s own popular culture. The path will be the same as when our ancestors adapted to a new foreign culture. And knowing that we’ve reached this phase, it appears we are doing it in the right way. In time, we will have the answer on how JKT48 is a purely Indonesian group – the way we have answer on how Keroncong became a national genre.
Perhaps a little comparation on how Dangdut become accepted and finally acknowledged as something uniquely Indonesian can help to illustrate the process.
Back in the 70s ~ early 80s, Dangdut was still considered more foreign. In many casette stores, they were still labelled under ‘Pop Melayu’ ( = Malay pop / music / tones ). Yet, this genre started to widespread and many nodes and circles of artists created their own versions of it, adding their own tastes to enrich it. I personally divide them first by local ethnic taste that enrich it into Melayu circle, Jakarta circle, Sunda circle, and Java circle, etc. These circles interacted with each other into finally define define Dangdut as a genre of music different from Pop. This is the first wave of second phase. The second wave started as there were cross-genre between Dangdut and other genre. Dangdut x Rock, Dangdut x Pop, Dangdut x House Music, etc. At this point, Dangdut become more established as a genre in itself.
Learning from my far-from-complete version of Dangdut’s history, what JKT48 need is not omitting the Japanese element, but enriching it with something local. Above examples showed how fans as satellite nodes around JKT48 has spawned many creation associated with JKT48. What JKT48 need to do now is to encourage such creations and open themselves to those enriching elements. JKT48 themselves as central node also have tried to adopt local entertainment format in their theatre, OVJ48 is one good example. Some of my wild imagination as more example are:
– an attempt to sing 48 songs in local languages of the area where they do concert.
– a once/twice per month schedule of OVJ48 beside the usual set lists, where members explore their talents in theatrical comedic acts.
– a concert “Tribute to Indonesian Music” where members shows their talents trying to perform singing some hits of Dangdut, Pop, Rock of Indonesia. Beside seeing Sendy sing Dangdut, I also want to watch Ve sing some romantic Pop song, or Ayen rock the audience with some Rock beat, for instance.
Indonesia is never about purity, Indonesia is always about amalgamation. To become Indonesia, one should be able to be amalgamated without losing its distinctive character. I believe what define ‘Idols that you can meet” is not primary their song or set list or seifuku, but in how they interact with their fans.
Btw, I think the “Revival Show Senbatsu Sousenkyo” that they run now fits Indonesian taste and mindset more than “Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo” like their sisters in Japan.
Appreciate for your kind explanation.
I totally agree that JKT48 to be a part of brightly Indonesian.
But at the same time, I feel solitary.
It looks JKT48 goes so far from me for my eyes.
I must think that I am a pessimist.
But as the proof of good relationship between both countries
and as our proud direction, such as “localization”, grown up everything (incld. BIMA) together with Indonesian people
restrictively in Indonesia, not “pop-cultural muddy stream”,
JKT48 should be truelly Indonesian
I believe that I smile to chase the god-speedy trace of JKT48 toward their future
I saw many videos that Sendy sung Dangdut. Does it mean Sendy is the icon which shows “very Indonesia” among the members?
As this thread is highly interested for me, so pls. approve one more question. I saw some photos which show Gon wearing Hijab. For your eyes, does her action wearing Hijab demonstrate blasphemy against Indonesian people, especialy Islamic people? Because Gon is not Indonesian and Islamic people, but Japanese. Or does it tell you Gon’s daily effort to fit with Indonesian habit or rule? If it is a rough question, I must correct it very soon.
@Tomo allow me to respond you in this single comment
as I mentioned above, JKT48 can be both the flag bearer of Japan’s idol culture as well as the pioneer of idol culture that uniquely Indonesian. I am optimistic that in dynamic interactions with the fans as its satellite nodes this can be achieved. Thus “growing with the fans” can become a reality in its truest sense. It is almost inevitable since they are sowed on Indonesia soil. Let’s make the inevitable part a benefit for the whole.
– about Sendy : More a personal opinion and perhaps biased by the fact that she is my Kami-Oshi : Sendy is one of the most forefront vanguard in promoting Indonesian taste of JKT48 : a) singing dangdut as JKT48 member attracts interests of non Fans to JKT48 b) taking role as “Dalang” in OVJ48 c) She herself is an perfect example of Indonesian amalgamation : a Chinese Indonesian, a devout muslim, a student of Information System, a dangdut singer, a member of 48 group.
– about Hijab : As far as the moderate majority don’t mind it, then it’s not a matter. I tend to see it as part of ongoing discourse that this dynamic country have in abundance.
– about the negative response that you get in the internet after introducing yourself as a Japanese : Don’t take it seriously. If you find such person or community, just leave them and find other person or community that worth your time and energy. There are nothing significant that deserve called Anti-Japan here. That person is perhaps so insignificant in real life that he/she need to assert his/her significance in the internet.
Appreciate Kage Tora san. Regarding the person who posted “Japanese are not welcomed” on my friend’s facebook. I don’t care about him or her. But I just felt sorrowful. Like I am alone in Indonesia. That’s all
About JKT48 singing hit pop-musics, they have done that one during the charity event for Jakarta’s great flood.
There, they sang Chrisye’s “Lilin-Lilin Kecil”. For me who attended the show, it was one unforgettable moment because they can present the legendary song nicely. It will be very great if they can hold such event again one day!
Yeah, actually that event is the one that inspire me such idea. It would be great if beside occasional attempt they also perform it in a rather large scale. Non fans can have the opportunity to see their talents and they will be more familiar for them.
I am happy if more people like Tomo want to know more about Indonesia by JKT48