Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – Renowned Indonesian musicians on Wednesday launched a song dedicated to Jakarta gubernatorial candidate pair Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama-Djarot Saiful Hidayat in an event held at the pair's Rumah Lembang campaign headquarters in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Through the song titled "Gara-gara Ahok" (It's All Because of Ahok), the musicians aim to show their support for the incumbent pair.

"The song tells people about problems, particularly corruption, that are hampering the city," said Aryono Huboyo Djati, who composed the lyrics for the song.

"Indeed, the lyrics are quite rude. We wanted to make it as simple as possible so that people can easily understand the meaning. We will also make a dangdut song so that it can be accepted by all groups of people, including the grassroots," he added during the launch.

Singer Teuku Adifitrian, popularly known as Tompi, pop band Nidji's vocalist Giring Ganesha, singer-songwriters Lala Karmela and Glenn Fredly as well as musician Etta Herawati, known as Bertha, were also present.

Aryono added that the song was a response to the current situation in Jakarta, where residents were overwhelmed many issues, demonstrations and hoaxes or fake news. Such a situation had occurred because Ahok, who is known for his firmness in eradicating corruption, wanted to run for a second term, he said.

Aryono said he was inspired to write the song after taking part in a massive rally on Nov. 4, in which Muslims demanded the prosecution of Ahok over alleged blasphemy. During the rally, he was hit with a rock. "It was the time I became aware that this was all because of Ahok. It's a satirical song," he said.

Meanwhile, Glenn said he initially refused to be involved in politics because he was a musician. However, he then decided to support the song to have his voice heard.

"Given the current social situation, no matter whether we like it or not, we should lend our voice to combat hoax news and uphold our principle of unity in diversity. I want to support good people like Ahok and Djarot," he said. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/01/25/renowned-musicians-launch-song-in-support-of-ahok.html