As a proud Indonesian, I just don't get it why people are so amazed by our neighbour across the strait, Malaysia. Malaysia this, Malaysia that, and whatever Malaysia, oooooh... Oh puh-leeze, just because they're airing fancy tourism advertisments doesn't mean that they're really all that. Frankly, it only shows that they are more than ready to sweeten up their otherwise mediocre stuffs. Indonesia has a lot more than that; it's just that we haven't mastered the art of extorting money from gullible tourists who will pay for anything we label as "unique" or "exotic". If we realize it, Indonesia has so many things to brag about. Maybe that's why Malaysia relentlessly tries to be Indonesia's 34th province -if I counted that correctly anyway: they love our exquisite batik, glorify our reog Ponorogo, and sing our traditional songs. They will do anything to make everyone believe that they're a part of Indonesia. However, as far as I'm concerned, Indonesia is the more developed of the two countries.
Take one thing (which is actually the topic of this post): music. It is a well-known fact that Indonesian music is conquering its neighbours, especially Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. Citizens of those countries are big fans of Indonesian bands such as Nidji, Gigi, Ungu, and even Radja. What's that I hear just now? Kangen Band? Well, I won't be surprised to know that it has found some followers there too. Songs from Indonesia are dominating radio airplay in Malaysia, day after day, year after year. To quote a Malaysian artist, "KL in the night feels like Jakarta" with all the Indonesian songs playing everywhere. Malaysians are craving for Indonesian music.
On the other hand, Malaysian music hasn't gained much ground in the archipelago. I, for one, feel that they're music is too "dangdut"esque and is so not on the same level with our music. At times, they're not trying hard enough to sound -and look- good, while at other times, they're trying a wee bit too hard. Some songs did create a minor buzz, like the weird "Angguk Angguk Geleng Geleng" but most of them failed miserably. Siti Nurhaliza might be an exception...because she upgraded herself by collaborating heavily with Indonesian musicians. For example, many of her songs are written by Dewiq, and her more recent video clips are made by a famous Indonesian director (forgot his name, but he's really good). See it for yourself, this is her back then before all the collabs; feel sorry for her.
Nevertheless, some people aren't happy with the way things are. Unable to compete, Malaysian artists are struggling to gain followers in their own territory. There has been many reports that a group of Malaysian artists are trying to block Indonesian music from being the ruler of their world. The latest news said that the group even met with the Malaysian Minister of something and Communications to pass the message. They proposed that Malaysian radio station must fill 90% of their airtimes with local (Malaysian) music, leaving only 10% for Indonesian. It seems that they already knew the plan's too wacky because they are ready to negotiate for 80%:20% ratio, if the proposal is deemed to heavy.
One thing: the plan is utterly ridiculous. First of all, it simply tells everyone that those artists cannot learn from the competition and therefore, they always lag behind. They should've realized that they need to develop if they want to survive the Indonesian invasion. Frankly, it is not Indonesia's fault if they can't or don't want to learn from us and keep making all those lame dangdut songs. Second, it's too much intervention. Radio playlists are determined from many factors, one of them is how popular it is among the audience. If Indonesian songs are so wanted there, they automatically top all the charts. The limitation will only violate the supply and demand relationship; it puts radio stations at risk of being left by their listeners. Furthermore, the plan will not have any effect to business there. It can't break the wave of Indonesian music's popularity among Malaysians. When they can't listen to Indonesian songs on radio, they'll simply go to a music store and buy the CD. As simple as that. Ultimately, it is unfair for the Malaysian people. They need good music and they have the full freedom to choose what they listen to. Apparently, our music can fulfill the need better. So please let them enjoy it. Why would those Malaysian artist sacrifice their own people by forcing them to listen to unwanted music?
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