Arlina Arshad – The saccharine world of Indonesian pop music is being rocked by a new wave of underground bands that aren't afraid to take aim at the country's political elite ahead of the July 8 presidential election.

Grungy rockers with names like Skull and The Vandals eschew the usual radio fare of teary love songs in favor of hard-hitting political commentary delivered with attitude.

"They're a segmented group and untouched by the media," music commentator Denny Sakrie said. "They move underground, performing at bistros and share their opinions in newsletters."

At the forefront of the movement is reggae singer Ras Muhamad, 26, named Best New Reggae Artist by Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine last year.

Wearing hip-length dreadlocks in a towering bun on his head, the US-educated singer warned fans at a recent outdoor concert in Jakarta not to be fooled by empty election promises from the presidential candidates. "They are preaching righteousness but have filthy hearts," he sings on "Make Way."

The song – in both Indonesian and English – mixes with the marijuana smoke that drifts above the audience, as fans decked out in Rastafarian colors of red, yellow and green nod their heads in cool appreciation.

"I don't care about politics, but Ras's songs make me more aware of the kind of leaders we have," said one 18-year-old fan. "They're mostly corrupt. That's why I'm antigovernment, anticolonial, pro-peace, pro-freedom and pro-reggae!"

Despite his many fans, Muhamad said his work attracts brickbats as well as bouquets.

"Not everyone likes what they hear," Muhamad said. "Lawmakers probably see me as an enemy. I don't single out specific individuals so I haven't got into serious trouble yet. I'm nationalistic and I want society to progress. I want the government to provide our youth with proper education, end child labor, protect migrant workers. I'm not a mere entertainer. I have opinions."

Just over a decade ago, when the dictator Suharto still ruled the country with an iron fist, protest musicians such as Muhamad faced censorship and possible bans.

But in a sign of how times have changed – and perhaps of how Muhamad may not be the public enemy he thinks he is – lawmakers in today's democratically elected parliament welcomed his interest in politics.

"I don't see why any political leader should feel offended by the lyrics unless he or she has done something wrong and feels guilty," said Happy Bone Zulkarnain of the Golkar Party, Suharto's former political vehicle. "[Musicians like Muhamad] provide political education for society and create a culture that allows democracy to thrive."

Protest singers have been around in Indonesia since the 1960s, but they have never appealed to a mass audience.

"The bands sang in English to avoid attention," Sakrie said. "Bands now are bolder and more confident about voicing their opinions." Many artists today also have university degrees, he said.

Sales promoter Wina, 25, said she loved Muhamad's music, but said it would not influence her vote. "I can dance to it, but I don't pay attention to the lyrics," she said.