Introduction: The Soundtrack of a Nation
In Indonesia, the 1990s had a certain allure. Pop and rock combined to create something unadulterated, poignant, and unforgettable during that decade. Radio stations were the lifeblood of every teen's existence, cassette cassettes were the norm, and MTV Asia had just debuted. Bands like Dewa 19, Slank, Gigi, Padi, and subsequently Sheila On 7 didn't just record songs during this time; they helped define the sound of a generation. It was the golden age of Indonesian music.
It was about identity, feeling, and growing up in a world where every word had meaning. It wasn't just about the music.
The Rise of Dewa 19: Where It All Began
Dewa 19, which was founded in Surabaya in 1986, was a revolution rather than just a band. With their strong ballads and bold experimentation, the trio made its debut in Indonesia's pop scene, aided by the poetry lyrics of Ahmad Dhani and once-in-a-lifetime vocalists Ari Lasso and subsequently Once Mekel.
Songs that combined pop, rock, and heartfelt lyrics, such as "Kangen," "Cukup Siti Nurbaya," and "Separuh Nafas," quickly became hits. Their popularity demonstrated that Indonesian music was just as strong and advanced as Western music.
Fun fact: "Kangen" is still considered one of the most famous Indonesian love songs ever because of its immense influence.
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| Place this image next to or below the section about Dewa 19 to highlight the band’s early charisma and retro aesthetic. |
Slank, Gigi, and the Explosion of Rock Culture
Slank brought revolt and attitude to Indonesia, whereas Dewa 19 provided poetry and refinement. Their rough-edged appeal and streetwise lyrics made them the voice of young people who didn't want to blend in. Songs like "Ku Tak Bisa" and "Terlalu Manis" became national anthems.
Then came Gigi, which was led by Armand Maulana and combined upbeat lyrics with catchy pop music. Songs like "Nirwana" and "Jomblo" demonstrated that being "deep" and "fun" could coexist by striking a balance between rock energy and popular appeal.
These bands contributed more than just songs to 90s Indonesia; they provided significance. It seemed as though each line was a journal entry from a teen.
The Late 1990s: The Arrival of Sheila On 7
Everything altered once more in 1999 with the release of Sheila On 7. They captured the essence of millennial love and confusion in their music, which was new, honest, and emotional. They immediately rose to fame with songs like "Dan," "Sephia," and "Melompat Lebih Tinggi." Their sound, which was pop-rock with a subtle touch, was widely familiar, and their lyrics were straightforward yet incredibly real.
Sheila On 7 didn't rely on complex metaphors or big riffs like many other rock bands of their era did. They told daily stories – about heartache, hope, and growing up and that’s exactly why people still sing along two decades later.
"Their music carried a generation into adulthood, not just defining it."
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| Use this photo to emphasize their youthful, relatable image and their signature 90s band style. |
What Made the 90s So Special?
Legacy That Lives On
Many Gen Z listeners are rediscovering these tunes these days, sometimes via their parents' playlists and other times via TikTok. Songs like "Dan" and "Kangen" have become ageless and have never truly gone away. Heartfelt lyrics, authentic instruments, and vulnerability are all hallmarks of 90s bands that are still present in contemporary Indonesian musicians like Pamungkas, Ardhito Pramono, and Nadin Amizah.
The spirit of that heyday is still present in every chorus and chord of today's indie scene, if you listen carefully. You'll hear echoes of Dewa 19 and Sheila On 7.
Conclusion: Nostalgia That Never Fades
The Dewa 19 and Sheila On 7 era was a movement rather than a single point in time. Through songs, guitars, and unadulterated passion, it brought people together. These bands are still a living example of what authentic, fearless, and heartfelt Indonesian music can be, even after several decades have passed.
Try include a few 90s songs on your playlist the next time you browse through it. Good music never gets old, so you might just find yourself humming along.
Questions:
- What’s your favorite Indonesian 90s band or song that you still listen to today?
- Do you think today’s music still carries the same emotional depth as it did in the 90s?
- If you could bring back one 90s band for a reunion concert, who would it be?
By: Daeviera Fatimahuz Zahra
References:
- Rolling Stone Indonesia – 150 Lagu Indonesia Terbaik Sepanjang Masa
- MTV Asia Archives – 1990s Southeast Asian Pop Scene
- Kompas Entertainment: Sejarah Musik Indonesia 1990-an
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