Hip-hop permeates Jakarta youth culture

Armando Siahaan Contributor/Jakarta

The pervasiveness of American culture has once again resulted in a growing subculture in Jakarta.

This time, the cultural invasion involves the integration of hip-hop as part of Jakarta youth culture.

Looking back to around 10 years ago, the word "hip-hop" was something relatively alien in the minds of most Indonesians. Only a few proponents tried to spread hip-hop at that time; one of the most prominent was Iwa K.

As a corollary to the massively growing hip-hop community in America it was inevitable that Indonesia would feel the impact too.

One of the principal ways in which the subculture is promoted is via hip-hop music. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and Eminem offer music that is irresistible to the ears of Jakarta youngsters.

Sales of such music are sky-rocketing. In addition, radio and TV stations are also active in exploiting hip-hop to attract a young audience.

The pervasiveness of this upbeat music has a tendency to add to youngsters' lexicons of hip-hop slang. Phrases like "Whaddup?" and "Sup, bro?" are beginning to become common parlance.

"Black music" has also enticed a number of Indonesian singers to try their luck in the hip-hop industry, including newborn hip- hoppers T-Five and Saykoji. Although not as famous as Dewa or Krisdayanti, these artists have adherents aplenty.

The influence of hip-hop music can also be seen at nightclubs. Whereas clubs used to be places known for electronic music, hip- hop is now one of the most popular genres.

Clubs like Manna House, Bliss and X-Lounge rely heavily on hip-hop music as the main attraction. On days when the DJs gig it, the clubs turn into a sea of hip-hop fans, mainly in the 16 to 25 age group.

Complementing the nightclub scene is the clothing. A lot of youngsters have changed their style from typical "urban chic" to hip-hop fashion: Baggy, white T-shirts or athletics-themed jerseys, baggy jeans, and white Adidas sneakers or Nike Air Force Ones are now the most popular attire.

People wearing hip-hop clothing can also be seen at other places: Malls, restaurants, sporting venues and even schools are now filled with hip-hoppers.

Another indication of hip-hop's popularity in Jakarta is wall graffiti. It can be seen on walls below overpasses or in alleys. Although such graffiti may annoy some, it is at least more creative than the crude writing on the wall that is the handiwork of high school students.

Breakdancing is a byproduct of a subculture that is also a growing movement in Jakarta. A lot of schools or events invite local breakdancers to perform, as that always draws a crowd.

What might be worrisome is the fact that hip-hop tends to be perceived as a culture of rebellion. It is not unusual for many in America to perceive hip-hop as positively dangerous.

With its roots in less well-off Americans, hip-hop is often associated with gangsters and violence in society. This can lead to fears that the negative aspects of hip-hop could be replicated in Jakarta.

There have been several instances of nightclub brawls on hip- hop nights because people claiming to be the "mafia" of Jakarta hip-hop have acted like gangsters. Hip-hop clearly has its negative sides, too.

But hip-hop also has the potential to break down barriers in society, for anyone -- whatever their social background -- can enjoy it.

The popularity of hip-hop will surely continue to grow in Jakarta; maybe the rest of Indonesia as well.

Whether or not it will it be perceived as undesirable depends on the willingness of society to guide it in the right direction.