M

usic rang out from a small stage in the southwestern corner of the National Monument (Monas) park in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon amid the sounds of traffic and visitors.

Dibya Sari, 23, performed Lilis Suryani’s mega hit “Gang Kelinci” (Rabbit Alley) on the Monas Panggung Senja (Monas’ dusk stage) with her bandmates.

She proudly sang the song, which tells the story of a densely populated alley in the city, and also introduced her band Rimbo to the audience.

The stage has been provided by the park’s management for people to showcase their talents to the public. The bandmates made use of the free stage as a platform to introduce their band. “We are new musicians just getting started. Having this stage in a public space is really helpful for us,” guitar player Dimas Darmawan, 19, told The Jakarta Post after their performance.

Rimbo was formed in November last year by Dimas and Dibya and their classmate at Prof. Dr. Moestopo University, Fahruqi Al Ghifari. They have been performing at cafes and their campus’ events to polish their skills and promote their music.

The stage might be modest, but for Rimbo, it was all it needed. “A lot of people see us here,” Dimas said.

To perform on the Monas stage the band members only had to bring their own equipment. The park’s management provided the stage and installed the sound system free of charge.

The stage was opened earlier this month to give people an opportunity to perform and show off their skills in a public place, park management head Munjirin said.

The park’s management allowed any artists or residents of Jakarta to hold artistic performance and cultural events at the park every weekend from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The stage was also intended to increase the entertainment at Monas, Munjirin added.

Those who would like to perform on the stage must contact the park’s management either by letter or by phoning 021-3822255 to register.

After Rimbo wrapped up its three-song performance, 26-year-old Rusdi Bagas took the stage.

Performing solo, the private company employee sang one of his original songs, titled “Ayo Makan Ikan” (Let’s Eat Fish), which he wrote for the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry two months ago.

The ministry asked him to write the song because he worked for a company that exports fish. Besides working as a full-time employee, Rusdi also writes songs, jingles and performs at cafes every weekend.

He registered to sing at the park to have the experience of singing live on an open stage at Monas.

“This is a positive place for young people to show off their talents,” Rusdi said.

As the musicians belted out their songs, visitors walking past stopped by to enjoy the music.

Sutiyono, 26, a resident of Pademangan, North Jakarta, said he was impressed with the performances.

“I think it’s a good addition to the park and it can entertain visitors here,” Sutiyono said.

Besides the stage, visitors can now also enjoy other facilities and rides, such as a sky lift to the top of the popular monument, a flying fox ride and a fire truck provided by the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency that visitors can hop aboard to enjoy a tour of the park.