Bersemi Sekebun

Quotation

«Kawan yang perlahan padam (Bertahanlah) Yang meranggas datang dari waktu-waktu terbenam (Bersabarlah) Biarkan mengakar saat temaram (Bertumbuhlah) Tak apa mengakui ringkih di palangan Bertahanlah sedikit lebih lama Tumbuhlah liar serupa gulma.»

«My friends, whose lights are slowly dying (persevere) Whose lively leaves started to fall at dusk (persist) Let your roots ingrain when its dark (grow) Release your whines while you rest Just endure a little bit longer You’ll grow wild like weed.»

This quote is excerpted from Efek Rumah Kaca’s song «Bersemi Sekebun» (A Field of Blooms). It is part of the virtual exhibition «Norient City Sounds: Jakarta», curated by Gisela Swaragita.

Biography

Efek Rumah Kaca is one of Indonesia’s most respected independent rock bands. With lyrics imbued with messages of solidarity and social justice, they have released four critically acclaimed albums since their formation in 2001. They own and manage the coffee shop/book store/venue, Kios Ojo Keos, in South Jakarta—the location of the Norient City Sounds: Jakarta release party.

Published on August 27, 2025

Last updated on August 27, 2025

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Each sound was someone's life happening

Quotation

by Kathleen Malay

«And then I understood, each sound was someone’s life happening. Through alleyways where air conditioners thrum, oil sizzles and children play. Where humble sandals become toys, slapped against walls in rhythm, kicked across concrete in games only they understand. Where the violent drill of construction meets the song of a vendor’s bell. The call to prayer becomes a temporary sanctuary amidst urban cacophony. The food cart vendor arranges his future in metal and flame. The saccharine sound of advertising audio looping in a minimart, promising happiness in packages.»

This quote is excerpted from Kathleen Malay’s accompanying text for her short film «Anywhere You Wander» . It is part of the virtual exhibition «Norient City Sounds: Jakarta», curated by Gisela Swaragita.

Biography

Kathleen Malay is a filmmaker from Jakarta whose work spans narrative and creative short films, fashion films, documentaries, TV commercials, and music videos. Formerly a journalist for VICE Indonesia, she hosted documentaries such as The Debtfathers and Pride and Prejudice: LGBTQ Rights in Asia’s Newest Nation. Her visual works have been featured on platforms including NOWNESS, NOWNESS Asia, SHOWstudio, Crack Magazine, and Boiler Room TV. Follow her on Instagram.

Published on August 27, 2025

Last updated on August 27, 2025

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Menjadi lampu yang selalu menyala

Quotation

by Bin Idris

«Menjadi lampu yang selalu menyala Aku menjauh dari rasa cemburu Aku berteduh dari duga curiga Yang s'lalu ada Senantiasa bergumul di kepala.»

«I am a lamp that perpetually shines I get away from jealousy I seek refuge from wary That everlastingly Battle inside my head.»

This quote is excerpted from Bin Idris’ song «Temaram» (2016). It is part of the virtual exhibition «Norient City Sounds: Jakarta», curated by Gisela Swaragita.

Biography

Bin Idris is a gloom-folk-churning singer/songwriter, his early works can be described as heavily-echoed, mantra-like, contemplative guitar-driven psychedelia. Lyrically simple yet powerful, deep, and compelling, Bin Idris is a local poet gently, and gracefully embracing his minimalism when he's not off shredding and shrieking with his proto-metal band Sigmun. Follow him on Instagram.

Published on August 27, 2025

Last updated on August 27, 2025

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Norient City Sounds: Jakarta

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