ID Nugroho, Banyuwangi – Time has tattered and torn the three books in which the original lyrics of the notorious Genjer-Genjer song were first written by its composer, the late Muhammad Arief.

The ink may have faded but the song continues to reveal stories, even until today. The song has become synonymous with the controversial 1965 coup and the bloodbath that followed.

Many claim the song, about the genjer (Limnocharis flava) vegetable, was sung by members of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI)'s women's division – allegedly the Indonesian Women's Movement (Gerwani) – when the country's generals were tortured to death. Bloody stories of torture made public by the new order regime later tarnished the song's image.

Banyuwangi cultural observer Fatrah Abbal said the song was inspired by the genjer vegetable soup, which was prepared by Muhammad Arief's wife, Suyekti, back in the 1940s.

"Muhammad Arief was surprised to find that the plant, which was commonly used as pig and chicken feed, was delicious and could be consumed by humans. That's why he came up with Genjer-Genjer song," said the 76-year-old observer.

The song became popular and many singers performed it on stage.

Fatrah said the song's connection with the PKI could not be separated from the political atmosphere of 1965, where there was space for any ideology to flourish, thus resulting in competition among political parties. The competition spanned into art and culture, when the Indonesia National Party (PNI) joined together with the National Art Council (LKN); Masyumi cooperated with the Association of Islamic Art and Culture (HSBI); and the PKI associated with the People's Art Council (Lekra).

"Lekra embraced Banyuwangi artists, including Muhammad Arief," said Fatrah, who was active at HSBI. After joining Lekra, Banyuwangi art and culture flourished, with many songs performed at PKI events, including the Genjer-Genjer song, which was composed in 1943.

Muhammad himself was asked to join Lekra and was positioned as a legislative member in Banyuwangi regency. The man, who was formerly named Syamsul Muarif, was asked to compose more songs.

"If you really listen to the Genjer-Genjer lyrics, you will find the song has no meaning... it is just about a plant that was previously thought to be worthless... but (it) started to gain popularity," Fatrah said before singing parts of the song, which is sung in Banyuwangi-Javanese style.

After the coup attempt, the song's lyrics were changed by unknown people, and recounted the torturing of the generals. "The real song was not like that," Fatrah said.

Following the change of lyrics, a series of kidnappings and murders occurred in several PKI stronghold areas, including Banyuwangi, home of the song's creator.

Muhammad's only son, 53-year-old Sinar Syamsi, recalled that soon after the coup attempt in Jakarta, a big protest erupted in Banyuwangi city. The protesters demanded PKI members be captured.

Muhammad became the target of angry protesters. At the time, the former sergeant of the Indonesian military was a member of Banyuwangi regency legislative from the PKI and a Lekra activist.

"People attacked our home in Tumenggungan area in Banyuwangi city. They set fire to the house and everything there," said Sinar, who was 11-years-old when the incident took place.

Muhammad fled with other PKI and Lekra members but was captured. "From that point on, my father's fate is unknown," Sinar said.

But Sinar reveres his father as the family's hero. He said the original song lyrics, which are considered taboo even today, have been safeguarded. "For me, these books are (a part of) my family's history, which should be safeguarded so my grandchildren will know what really happened," he said.

Decades after the tragedy, the wounds may have begun to heal but the events of 1965 have left a dark cloud hanging over the family.

Sinar's mother, Suyekti, has suffered from stress due to the existing stigma placed upon families of PKI members. Sinar himself has been dismissed from employment several times due to unclear reasons and is now considering changing his citizenship. He has two countries in mind; China and the Netherlands.

"Politics have seen my family suffer for so many years. I want to take the original song lyrics (and) move to the Netherlands or China. Who knows, as a son of the Genjer-Genjer song creator, I might be appreciated there."