KPK, Slank ready to rock corruption

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 04/17/2008 12:46 PM  |  Headlines

JOINING FORCES: The chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Antasari Azhar (third left), poses with (left to right) Ivan, Ridho, Abdee, Bimbim and Kaka from the band Slank. Antasari visited the band in Gang Potlot, South Jakarta, on Wednesday to show his appreciation for their anti-corruption campaign. (JP/P.J. Leo)

Can a rock band help a country fight graft? Ask Slank and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

KPK chairman Antasari Azhar visited the band on Wednesday, despite earlier threats by the House of Representatives to sue Slank for their allegedly inflammatory lyrics.

"The KPK and Slank are like fish and water, we cannot be separated because our vision and mission are the same: to combat corruption," Antasari said at the group's office located in Potlot Alley in South Jakarta.

During the meeting, Slank signed and presented Antasari with a poster showing him hoisting a corruptor by the hair while the man pleads to be released, saying, "I love Slankers too, peace."

In the background of the poster, a boy is singing the song that got lawmakers so upset, "Gossip Jalanan" (Street Gossip), with its lyrics: "Want to know the mafia in Senayan?/ Who draw up laws?/ Draft bills for bucks."

Antasari then signed another copy of the poster and presented it to the band.

"The KPK and Slank, we're true friends. When one of us is down, the other one is ready to come to the rescue," Slank's drummer, Bimbim, said.

Last week the deputy head of the House's disciplinary committee, Gayus Lumbuun, threatened to sue Slank for the lyrics to "Gossip Jalanan", which he deemed "hurtful" to the institution.

Talk of a lawsuit quickly disappeared when the KPK arrested lawmaker Al Amin Nasution on April 16 for allegedly accepting a bribe.

Antasari said his visit had no connection to the dispute between Slank and the House. He said he was there simply to strengthen ties.

"We, the KPK, fight corruption using the law and the methods that we have, while Slank fights with their moral messages and their art, writing songs and playing them," he said.

Slank said the threat of a lawsuit would not silence them.

"As usual, we just take these comments as they come. Besides, in this era of democracy, they have the right to voice their opinion," Bimbim said to the applause of hundreds of Slank fans, or Slankers.

Antasari also presented Slank with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in fighting corruption.

Slank visited the KPK building last month, presenting commission officials with a CD titled Slank Antikorupsi, which is a compilation of corruption-themed songs from Slank's earlier albums.

After the presentation of the certificate, Slank played three songs, including "Gossip Jalanan" and the Slankers' theme song mixed with snatches of "Maju Tak Gentar" (Move on without fear), an old patriotic tune.

With accompaniment by Slank, Antasari sang "Juwita Malam" (Evening Juliet) to the cheers and laughter of Slankers and reporters.

Responding to a comment from a reporter that he had a nice voice, Antasari said, "I'm training for a post-retirement job." (anw)

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