Jakarta, February 24, 2025 — sonic/panic Jakarta was successfully held at M Bloc Space, bringing together music and real action to address the environmental crisis. The event, a collaboration between IKLIM (The Indonesian Climate Communications, Arts & Music Lab) and M Bloc Entertainment, aimed to amplify the urgency of environmental protection amidst policies that are not aligned with sustainability. With the theme Hutan Punah, Kota Musnah (Forest Vanishes, Cities Perish), the event was attended by over 500 spectators and featured musicians such as Efek Rumah Kaca ft. Adrian Yunan, Barasuara, Endah N Rhesa, Voice of Baceprot, Navicula, REP & Tuantigabelas, Matter Mos, Petra Sihombing, Made Mawut, and Bachoxs.
Beyond being a platform to highlight the climate crisis, sonic/panic Jakarta also served as a space for musicians to voice their concerns about social-political issues currently discussed in Indonesia. Amid increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, many musicians are using their songs as forms of resistance and solidarity against the challenges faced by society.
Musically, sonic/panic Jakarta became a dynamic collaboration space, presenting cross-genre encounters during special moments on stage. Efek Rumah Kaca performed alongside former member Adrian Yunan in a nostalgic reunion before their stage became even more lively with collaborations with Robi Navicula, Iga Massardi, Petra Sihombing, and Endah Widiastuti from Endah N Rhesa. Performances from Petra Sihombing and Matter Mos were further energized by the presence of Teddy Adhitya.
When asked about how participating in sonic/panic influenced his creative process, Iga Massardi, one of the musicians from the first sonic/panic compilation album, shared his reflection, “It feels really different. In the process of creating songs, I feel more compelled to discuss things that are more tangible and have a solid foundation. This also influenced my latest album. Artistically, I want to convey messages, but from a humanistic side, I’ve become more aware that everything we consume and use daily has an impact. This awareness makes me more careful and wise in choosing the products I use.”
This event came amid growing concerns about policies that risk exacerbating natural resource exploitation, deforestation, and threaten the living spaces of indigenous communities and urban ecosystems. The recent issue of limiting freedom of expression through music also highlights that critical voices on social and environmental issues are still facing pressure. The hashtag #IndonesiaGelap (Dark Indonesia), reflecting public anxiety over the current socio-political situation, further emphasizes the need for public involvement in overseeing national policies.
In addition to serving as a platform for discussing the urgency of environmental protection, sonic/panic Jakarta also aimed to implement more sustainable practices in its organization. The event provided water refill stations to reduce single-use plastic bottle consumption and ensured no single-use plastic packaging was used throughout the event, whether by visitors or musicians. Food and beverages for musicians and committees were served in recyclable containers, with reusable eating utensils and cups. Even the committee wristbands were made from scrap fabric as a commitment to reducing waste.
These efforts highlight that the music industry can take real steps to become more eco-friendly, while inspiring a music ecosystem that is more aware of its impact on the planet.
sonic/panic Jakarta also aimed to amplify the message about the climate crisis through songs from the sonic/panic and sonic/panic Vol. 2 albums to a broader audience, after being launched through IKLIM Fest held in 2023 and 2024 in Bali, as well as roadshows in Yogyakarta and Malang. The sonic/panic compilation album itself is a multi-genre compilation featuring a rich array of sounds united by one main focus: an urgent call for climate action.
Both sonic/panic and sonic/panic Vol. 2 albums involved 28 musicians from various genres, voicing their concerns and hopes for the future of the Earth. With the energy and spirit built in Jakarta, the musicians involved in the IKLIM initiative will continue to move forward. Music as a tool of resistance doesn’t stop at one stage; this message will continue to resonate in various spaces and platforms, connecting more people in the fight against the climate crisis.
sonic/panic and sonic/panic Vol. 2 albums are available to listen to on all digital music platforms.
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