MUSIC ART AS SOCIAL CRITICISM THROUGH THE SONG 'BAYAR BAYAR BAYAR' BY THE BAND SUKATANI

Abstract

The phenomenon of music as a tool for social criticism has long existed, but recently the song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" has come under scrutiny due to its lyrics explicitly criticizing the police institution, which is considered detrimental to society. This study aims to determine how audiences interpret the message in the song's lyrics. This research used a qualitative descriptive method with a reception analysis approach through in-depth interviews. The results reveal two main reception positions: dominant-hegemonic and negotiated, illustrating that listeners actively interpret meaning based on their socio-cultural context. The novelty of this research lies in exploring the dynamics of reception toward punk music as a medium for social criticism, a relatively understudied topic in Indonesia. This research contributes to a broader understanding of music as a communicative act that bridges art, ethics, and social responsibility.

Keywords: Music, Social Criticism, Reception Studies, Sukatani