Broadcast live on YouTube on May 22, the Berbagi dalam Keterbatasan (Sharing in Confinement) concert featured some of Indonesia’s most popular musicians, such as singer-songwriter Melly Goeslaw, jazz guitarist and songwriter Tohpati, and actor-singer Maruli Tampubolon.

The concert opened with the national anthem “Indonesia Raya”, as is the norm at Indonesian concerts regardless of genre.

Conducted by Budi Utomo Prabowo, the orchestral rendition of the national anthem was as aurally glorious as can be, though the sight of musicians in formal wear in their own virtual boxes like in a teleconference is rather jarring to see.

Nevertheless, the concert went smoothly once you are accustomed to seeing the rapid change of musicians on screen as different parts of the piece highlight different musicians playing.

Up next was late composer Mochtar Embut’s “Varia Ibukota” (All About The Capital), an ode to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta and Betawi culture. 

Though played with Western instruments, it was not hard to envision the piece played over scenes of Jakarta of old, with percussions and oboe worked into the orchestra.

Melly took the virtual stage next, performing her father Melky Goeslaw’s “Sio Mama”.

The choice of “Sio Mama” for the concert – two days before Idul Fitri – was somewhat poignant, as it is a song from the point of view of an individual from Maluku remembering their mother and hometown. The song might strike a chord with those far from home and missing one of the few chances to reunite with their family.

Melly’s soulful voice perfectly embodies the song’s feel of longing and homesickness, but at the same time it carries an inherent forte that suggests the singer’s strength to carry on in difficult times.

Maruli’s rendition of legendary composer Marzuki Ismail’s love song “Wanita” (Woman) was no slouch either in bringing the feels, performed with a black-and-white filter overlaid to properly embody the vintage-romantic vibes of the song.

That Melly and Maruli’s voice shone through – or in spite of – the viewer’s audio output is, of course, a testament to both singers’ vocal range and skills to be able to bring forth the emotion from the lyrics.

On the other hand, despite having no lyrics to speak of, Tohpati’s “Jatuh Cinta” (Falling in Love) still manages to evoke dainty, airy romanticism through his guitar strings.

Backed by the JCP, Tohpati conjures up a vision of romance in its purest form, when one would hear angels sing in the soft breeze when glimpsing one’s love interest.

Closing the brief 24-minute concert was a classical piece, specifically Jacques Offenbach’s “Can Can” from the Orpheus in the Underworld opera.

Famously known for being synonymous with the high-kicking female cabaret dancers of France, the upbeat piece ends the concert in a high note, perhaps suggesting a much-needed optimism in getting through the crisis.

While the feeling of attending a concert in person is incomparable to watching one on your laptop, one benefit to it is that a recording is saved online, allowing you to rewatch or replay moments you might have missed.

The concert was initiated by the Education and Culture Ministry’s Directorate General of Culture and the JCP as a way to pass time waiting to break the fast, while also giving back to the community of traditional artists.

Viewers donated through a link in the video’s description box, where they could pay through digital payment platform OVO, which partnered with the directorate general for its “KolaborArtsy” campaign. The entirety of the proceeds will go to traditional artists through donation platform BenihBaik.com.

Hilmar Farid, the director general of culture, said in a statement that the role of technology in highlighting Indonesian art was increasingly palpable, especially in a time where artists were confined to their homes.

“What’s needed now is to uplift the spirits of Indonesian artists, so that they can keep creating without having to worry about their livelihoods. [...] Together we can support and empower them,” he said, adding that he hoped the collaboration could inspire other initiatives in supporting the artistic community.

In a virtual press-conference the day before the concert, JCP commissioner and Jakarta Arts Council committee member Anto Hoed said that music united and draw the attention of people.

“That way, it can be used to help our friends affected by the pandemic – not only artists. Who knows, maybe it can move others to help the affected, especially informal workers,” he said.

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