TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A group of musicians is actively engaged in the discussion regarding the controversial and possibly repressive Music Draft Bill (RUU Permusikan) which initially formed the National Coalition Against the RUU Permusikan, with a fitting acronym KNTL RUUP.

This group also discussed the recent controversial curbing against 17 Western songs by the West Java Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).

The commission argues that the songs’ lyrics contain adult content and indecency, which strongly advises the region’s broadcasters to only air those songs off of the prime time; from 22:00 to 03:00.

Read: KPI: 17 Western Songs Curbed from Being Aired in West Java

Responding to KPI West Java’s calls, the KNTL RUUP doubts that the circular will have any real effects. “That is indeed KPI West Java’s authority to issue such call, we’ll respect that, but we will see if it produces any impact,” said Wendi Putranto, KNTL RUUP Spokesman when reached by Tempo on Thursday, Feb. 28.

According to Wendi, who’s also the manager of known Indonesian metal band Seringai, the circular will not be effective and argues that not many people understand the lyrics of a song.

“Such the case of the song ‘Despacito’ that is sung everywhere by kids who do not understand its meaning. It might be true that Indonesians aren’t into the lyrics of foreign songs. Even if its broadcast gets partially censored in radio and television, the songs can still be accessed through Youtube,” said Wendi.

Read: Anto Hoed Speaks About Limited Airtime of 17 Foreign Songs

The banned songs are sung by known singers and bands such as Zayn Malik, Camila Cabello ft. Pharrell Williams, The Killers, Ariana Grande, Marc E. Bassy, Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown ft. Agnez Mo, Maroon5, Bruno Mars, Eamon, 88rising, DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna, Yellow Claw, and Rita Ora.

HALIDA BUNGA FISANDRA | DEWI NURINTA