Hip-hop permeates Jakarta youth culture

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.