Rocking Indonesia Guide Book
BANDUNG : stairway (S)
Bandung is one of the cities in Indonesia known for its popularity in music, fashion, shopping destinations, and youth culture. Located not far from the capital Jakarta, Bandung’s popularity dates back to the colonial era when the Dutch government developed the city in the early 1900s as a tourist destination for Europeans in the Dutch East Indies (the name before Indonesia). It’s no wonder that the city has been described as cosmopolitan, or referred to as a Western and European laboratory in the tropics. Several factors contribute to Bandung’s cosmopolitan nature, including its role as an entertainment and educational center during the colonial era. On the other hand, the presence of educational institutions often made Bandung a key point for many cultural changes in the Dutch East Indies.
S.1 Plan of Bandung Map (1923)
A map released by the Bandung City Tourism Bureau in the Dutch colonial era showing the division of city areas for whites, Chinese, Arabs, natives with a number of very European place names.
S.2 Come to Bandung: The Mountain City of the East (1937)
An English language brochure published by the Bandung City Tourism Bureau to invite tourists to come to Bandung. Branded as a mountain city, a number of the city’s advantages are also highlighted such as a shopping tourism city, a place for young people, and so on.
S.3 Bandoeng: De ideale woon- en vacantiestad (1930)
A Dutch language book that contains more details about the development of the city of Bandung by forming its image as an ideal place for a holiday (de ideal Wowon-en vacantiestad).
S.4 Bandung Photos (1920s to 1930s)
These photos showing the city’s activities in the 1920s and 1930s. Some of them show how Bandung was made to be more European.
The Rolling Stones in Bandung WALL 1 (W1)
The Rolling Stones in Bandung revolved around two figures of the band, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The coverage of them often focused on images of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Mick Jagger visited Indonesia several times, traveling to Bali and playing a show in Jakarta in 1988.
W1.1 The Beatles challenge The Rolling Stones to a duel (1967)
An imaginative article about The Beatles challenging The Rolling Stones. The Beatles are called a moral group, while The Rolling Stones are considered a degenerate group.
W1.2 ”Mick Jagger: Love Bali because the People didn’t care about him”
Aktuil journalist, Ipong Constantinopel, met Mick Jagger who was on holiday in Bali in 1969. In the conversation, Ipong asked Jagger about his film debut, the LSD problem that landed him in prison, and told Jagger that in Bandung there had been a group of The Rolling Stones fans since 1966.
W1.3 “Two Rolling Stones that Cause a Commotion”
Reports about the trial of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards who were caught in a drug case and the support of fans who waited outside the court which caused a riot.
W1.4 Aktuil 098 (1971)
Ipong Constantinople met Mick Jagger again in Bali. This time he stalked Mick Jagger for three days and pretended to be a photographer who did not know Jagger. In the end he claimed to be a journalist and interviewed Jagger who was on vacation with his wife, Bianca and their daughter.
W1.5 Hai Magazine (November 1988)
Hai Magazine’s reportage for Mick Jagger’s concert at Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, October 30, 1988. This event was held by Ono Artists Promotion led by Rinny Noor, wife of God Bless bass player, Donny Fattah. There were around 70 thousand spectators who had been waiting since midday to enter the concert area. As a form of anticipation, the organizers recruited 220 security officers who were tasked with checking tickets. This concert was also recorded as one of the concerts that ended in a riot and major chaos marked by acts of vandalism and burning of several cars parked around the Senayan Stadium performance area because some spectators who did not have tickets forced their way in.
W1.6 Aktuil 152 (November 1974)
An in-depth article in Aktuil magazine about The Rolling Stones.
W1.7 Vista 016 (September 1983)
Vista magazine’s report for the Rolling Stones’ US tour finale complete with photos of the Hell’s Angels biker gang running riot.
W1.8 Variasi No. 25 (December 1983)
The news about Mick Jagger’s relationship with US model Jerry Hall. Using a bombastic title by calling Jerry Hall the “Tamer of the Party Animal”.
W1.9 “The Rolling Stones provoked the youth to make a riot on the street…”
Lyrics of “Street Fighting Man” published in Aktuil magazine. The song is described as a protest song. Note how Aktuil capitalizes “REVOLUTION”.
W1.10 “The Rolling Stones provoked the youth to make a riot on the street…”
After Aktuil’s success with a two-day show of Deep Purple in 1975, Aktuil mentioned that they would invite The Rolling Stones. They claimed they had contacted the manager and so on, and was optimistic it would be crazier than the Deep Purple show.
But it never happened.
W1.11 “The Rolling Stones tour trivia”
Various facts about The Rolling Stones’ tour include the fact that Mick Jagger would go berserk if there wasn’t a certain perfume in his room, the organizers’ obligation to provide alcohol on stage, and Keith Richards having lots of groupie girlfriends.
W1.12 Aktuil
Three sheets of Aktuil pages that showed the popularity of The Rolling Stones songs, especially “Honky Tonk Woman” among the readers.
W1.13 Aktuil 013 (1968)
AKTUIL Magazine (1967-1979) was a music magazine published in Bandung by music enthusiast Denny Sabri, who was considered as a propagandist for Western culture among Indonesian youth.
W1.14 Five Bootleg Tapes of The Rolling Stones
Five pirated cassettes of The Rolling Stones that became the easiest and cheapest access for public to know the band. In the 1970s to 1980s, piracy of western music records including The Rolling Stones made by local record labels was rampant. This practice decreased after the government’s policy in the 1980s prohibited piracy as a result of protests by Irish musician Bob Geldof who was upset because his Live Aid concert was pirated in Indonesia.
Bandung's Jagger WALL 2 (W2)
In Bandung during the 1970s, “Jagger”(pronounced jeger) became a term for a local rock star known for his wild music, stage act, and lifestyle. The most famous local Jagger of the era was Deddy Stanzah (1949-2001), a founder of The Rollies (1965), Superkid (1976), and many other music projects. However, the media sometimes used this term to refer to other musicians with similar attitudes, such as Gito(The Rollies), Benny Soebardja (The Peels), Wandi (One Dee), or Soleh (Freedom). There was also Supeno (Braga Stones), a visually impaired busker who played western rock/pop songs on the traditional Sundanese instrument, the kacapi.
W2.1 Gimme’ Gimme’ (1976)
“Honky Tonk Women” was a very popular song by The Rolling Stones known to the people of Bandung. Deddy Stanzah often performed this song and recorded it with his band, Superkid, for their debut album “Trouble Maker” (1976). In Bandung, we called this song “Amedeuh,” referring to the first lyric of the song, “I met a …” Amedeuh sometimes refers to a local cheap wine, Anggur Merah.
W2.2 Superkid – Troublemaker (1976)
Debut album of Stanzah’s band Superkid. In this album Stanzah covered The Rolling Stones’ song, “Honky Tonk Woman”
W2.3 Deddy Stanzah
Deddy Stanzah/Deddy Sutansyah (14 April 1949 – 22 January 2001) Indonesian rock bassist & vocalist in The Rollies (1967-1974), Superkid, Giant Step, God Bless and Genta Istana. Not to mention his solo project and some collaborations. Stanzah is known as a local Jagger by his appearance on the stage and his rock n roll lifestyle.
W2.4 Aktuil Magazine 201
A long report from Aktuil about Superkid’s Java island tour. Including special moments such as Superkid’s set featuring The Rolling Stones, the craziness backstage, and Stanzah’s sentimental feelings when returning to Bandung by saying “We love Bandung! It’s a great city!”
W2.5 “Talk about Mick Jagger…”
Taken from Superkid song “H O W” arranged by Stanzah. This part I assume showed Stanzah’s obsession with the Stones. In this progressive rock song, Superkid (Stanzah, Dores, and Tobing) medleyed some iconic rock songs including “Jumping Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones.
W2.6 Five of Deddy Stanzah/Superkid Discography
Several works of Deddy Stanzah that recorded Stones’ influence. You can listen to the songs on a mixtape compiled by Irama Nusantara on the Wall 3.
Bandung's Stoner WALL 3 (W3)
The popularity of The Rolling Stones in the public translated by local performers created a new translation of The Rolling Stones. From the 1970s to the 1990s, local bands covered The Rolling Stones songs or were inspired by them. This ecosystem was supported by the media, especially Aktuil and Generasi Muda (GMR) / Young Generation (YG) radio, which had special programs, music shows and The Rolling Stones fan groups.
W3.1 The Rollies
Aktuil 092 (1972) Page. 41
The Rollies in Singapore. The Rollies were formed from the idea of Deddy Sutansyah who was later better known as Deddy Stanzah. In mid-1964 Deddy invited a drummer, Iwan Krisnawan, and guitarist, Tengku Zulian Iskandar Madian, from the group Delimas and Delly from the group Genta Istana. Deddy then chose the name Rollies as the new identity of his band’s name. At that time, many music groups from Bandung appeared as entertainers in Singapore, ranging from The Peels to Trio Bimbo.
W3.2 Beatles VS Stones by Harry Roesli
Advertisement for Beatles VS The Rolling Stones album initiated by Harry Roesli, one of the pioneers of experimental music in Bandung. Harry wanted to re-record songs from the two bands with compositions that combined western and traditional music. FYI, Harry is known for his experimental work but started his music career through The Rolling Stones cover band, Batu Karang in the early 1960s. This album was never recorded.
W3.3 The Rollies
The Rollies was formed from the idea of Deddy Sutansyah who was later better known as Deddy Stanzah. In mid-1964 Deddy invited a drummer, Iwan Krisnawan, and guitarist, Tengku Zulian Iskandar Madian, from the group Delimas and Delly from the group Genta Istana. Deddy then chose the name Rollies as the new identity of his band. The myth is, The Rollies is an abbreviation of The Rolling Stones and The Hollies.
The Rollies’ fame began to crumble. Three of its personnel were involved in the use of psychotropic drugs including Deddy Stanzah who later resigned from the band and Iwan Krisnawan died in 1974.
W3.4 Stones Power Program (Preview)
Advertisement for the Stones Power Program, a tribute event to The Rolling Stones held by Aktuil magazine.
W3.5 Two Generation of Rock in Stones Power Program (Review)
Aktuil magazine organized a tribute to The Rolling Stones in 1977 to celebrate their anniversary. The success of this event inspired other organizers to hold similar events. Some of these events often ended up in riots when people without tickets had tried to enter.
W3.6 Vista Magazine 014 (1986 P. 32)
Vista magazine’s report on the Rolling Stones tribute event held by Young Generation Radio. Like most of the Stones’ other events, this one ended in chaos with the audience forcing their way in without tickets.
W3.7 The Stone’s The Young Rolling Stones Fanatic from Bandung
Profile of the late 1970s Rolling Stones-inspired band The Stone’s. Contains interviews with the band about their involvement with alcohol, drugs, and rivalries with older bands.
W3.8 Benny Soebardja looks like Jagger
The appearance of one of the pioneers of rock music from Bandung, The Peels, on a cruise ship in Singapore in 1969. The vocalist/guitarist of The Peels, Benny Soebardja, is said to have a stage act similar to Mick Jagger.
W3.9 Braga Stones
An article about Braga Stones (Supeno), a blind busker on Braga Street who often performs Western rock songs using the traditional Sundanese musical instrument, the kacapi.
W3.10 Appreciation ے.
A review of a concert at the Padjadjaran University Bandung in the 70s where a number of performers styled themselves like Mick Jagger.
W3.11The Complete Music II
A review of a concert at the Padjadjaran University Bandung in the 70s where a number of performers styled themselves like Mick Jagger.
W3.12 The Complete Music II
Young Generation (later became Generasi Muda Radio) was a radio station in Bandung that operated from the 1960s until 2003. This radio station was famous for its rock music program, including a special Rolling Stones’ program called Stones Lovers.
W3.13 Stones Lovers Member Card from Generasi Muda Radio
A replica of the membership card of The Rolling Stones fans club managed by Young Generation Radio/Generasi Muda Radio in Bandung in the 1980s. The name of the group they initiated was Stones Lovers and became the embryo of the Indonesian Stoners Organization which is now registered with the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights as a legal entity.
W3.14 Complete Musik 1986
Poster acara Complete Music 1986 yang diselenggarakan oleh Young Generation/Generasi Muda Radio. Acid Speed tampil sebagai The Rolling Stones.
W3.15 Irama Nusantara Mixtape
Mixtape by Irama Nusantara, an Indonesian music archiving collective based in Jakarta.
Public Translations WALL 4 (W4)
The Rolling Stones, especially Jagger and Richards, who are associated as symbols of rebellion and danger, are translated into other forms in non-music fields. For example, hooliganism in football, where The Rolling Stones symbol is often displayed in the stadium to show unity and courage in supporting the Bandung football team, Persib.
Japi Tambajong stated in Ensiklopedi Musik (1991) that The Rolling Stones influenced people’s slang words. On the other hand, The Rolling Stones logo can also be found on several food brand logos to indicate very spicy food.
W4.1 Viking Stoners (T-Shirt and Scarf)
Scarf and T-shirt from the Persib Bandung (Bandung City football team) supporters group using The Rolling Stones logo. They have the motto “Persib and Rock n Roll”.
W4.2 Jeger means Thug
Some popular words are inspired by The Rolling Stones but their use is not related to music. The term jeger, in the 80s was often used by the media to refer to bandits, small thugs who were considered to disturb public order.
W4.3 O’Kir Spicy Chips
One of the food products that uses The Rolling Stones logo to show a very spicy taste.
W4.4 I’m Superstar
A short fictional story about a boy who wanna be Mick Jagger.
W4.5 25 Photos of The Rolling Stones Translations in Public
Some photos I took during field research in Bandung last year. I visited several densely populated areas such as small alleys, urban slums that are considered dangerous (such as prone to muggings, drug smuggling places), but are also known as The Rolling Stones fan base. I photographed murals, sticker pictures, and people from the 1970s-1980s who still adapt The Rolling Stones in their lives.
BALE (B)
Bale is a social space that is easily found in Indonesian settlements, including in Bandung, especially in the era before the 2000s. Usually Bale is used as a place for deliberation, patrolling, and a place for young people to hang out. The activities are chatting, drinking coffee, sometimes alcohol, while playing guitar. The Rolling Stones’ music spread through this kind of hanging out and guitar practice.
On the other hand, The Rolling Stones logo can also be found on several food brand logos to indicate very spicy food.
B.2 Setun Guitar (Setun is an Indonesian pronunciation of Stones)
Some fans of The Rolling Stones in Bandung formed cover bands or fan clubs. There was also an annual Rolling Stones tribute festival called “Sampurastun” (taken from Sampurasun, which means hello in Sundanese — the majority tribe in Bandung and West Java).
A simple guitar like this is also a symbol of how The Rolling Stones are present in society.
B.3 Once Amedeuh, Forever Amedeuh (Video Collage)
A collage video showing the influence of The Rolling Stones in society. From mothers wearing hijab, Deddy Stanzah’s stages, buskers on the street, to children.
B.4 Jeger Area (Rama Saputra, 2024)
A soundscape that you hear as the background of this exhibition was created by Rama Saputra, a sound artist from Bandung. He recorded the situation on the streets and alleys of Bandung City, a place that is often associated as Jagger’s area and the activities of its residents such as singing, laughing, and hanging out.
Amenk WALL 5 (W5)
Mufti “Amenk” Priyanka was a visual artist from Bandung with all his distinctive traits. Amenk had his own style, unconventional themes, yet his work was close to us. What he depicted was our everyday life in Bandung. Punk kids and “cuanki” (a local street food) are perhaps what we know of street punk, more than English punk on the docks of Liverpool. This includes punk kids who pray. It is about the identity struggle between Western counterculture and faith, which has been transformed not only into religious values but also into norms. In short, Amenk drew about us.
That is why I have included Amenk in this exhibition (even though he could not be with us). His work clearly captures the phenomena I am highlighting, and he knows his roots. Not to mention the quotes he has added, which emphasize the messages in his images. Amenk’s work is clearly a natural representation of how the youth subculture has been adopted by us in the place where we grew up, Bandung.
Amenkcoy forever.
W5.1 Street Punk with Amedeuh (Title by Curator)
A punker sipping alcohol in a black plastic bag like this was common in Bandung. It usually contains cheap alcohol like Intisari or Anggur Merah (Amer).
W5.2 A Stone A gigs poster (2011)
One of classic works of Amenk. A punker with A circle logo kissing a police hand. In Indonesian society kissing hands means respect. But this image portrays irony and mockery.
In the picture the police said “Don’t be rude anymore, okay?” And this punk kid said “Sorry my music is always noisy, sir!”
A Stone A is Amenk’s band with other Bandung artist from his art school such as Ewink, Akbar, and Andry (RIP). This band was founded in 2000-ish and influenced by Sonic Youth. However this band name is taken from the shout that was almost heard in every local music stage in the 1980s. A Stone A, means “Bro, please play me The Rolling Stones songs”.
W5.3 Aku Sangat Merindukan Kamu (I Miss You A Lot)
”The clouds are tempting this dream, remembering your distant face sprinkled with the sweetness of the morning surrounded by the fragrance of lotus flowers in the middle of a sea of waste longing. The warm embrace of this numb body and the radical nuances of this lonely valley of hearts”
”Don’t let anyone knows, I drunk and seeking for God”
W5.4 Punk Loves Mom (Title by Curator)
”The charm of affection always resounds strongly from Mother, Your prayers and love accompany me as I seek a living on the street”
W5.5 Three Original Works of Amenk from Gemah Ripah Lho Kumuh Series
Some of Amenk’s works taken from his Master’s work. Photographing the Cicadas environment, one of the districts in Bandung City which is known to be densely populated, slum, and prone to danger, as well as being a symbol of economic progress in the past and known as the Jeger area. In these three images, Amenk captures the activities of hanging out, extortion, and fighting.
W5.5.1 The howling of dogs at night echoes in the narrow alley, intertwined with the darkness. Ambition is suppressed, recession tears apart hope. The mirage of power. The air is filled with the stench of blood, competing for attention with the sovereignty of prisoners. Worshippers of the dreamland persist until they are greeted by tears.
W5.5.2 Come on, let’s spend this night together! Your presence means more than anything. Tonight is a moment of celebration for us. Don’t disappoint me. Come on, darling, I’m smiling at you. Let’s enjoy it! Yesterday’s lover is no longer tied to me. Let’s spend this night together. There’s no reason to refuse. I long for us to satisfy each other. I need you, not just as usual.
W5.5.3 Your arrival is inevitable, bringing sorrow, not favoritism, becoming a part of the beautiful painting of the Mona Lisa.
W5.6 Sleborz 10
Some of Amenk’s works taken from his Master’s work. Photographing the Cicadas environment, one of the districts in Bandung City which is known to be densely populated, slum, and prone to danger, as well as being a symbol of economic progress in the past and known as the Jeger area. In these three images, Amenk captures the activities of hanging out, extortion, and fighting.
* Full article on Amenk: https://thecubespace.com/en/appendix_en/amenk-at-a-glance-2/
