In the framework of social change, how music can give impetus to social change seems to be out of the attention of social scientists. Evidence indicates that some types of music, such as R&B, rap and rock, have influential role in social change.
It is mainly seen in the lyrics of the songs. Generally, they contain criticism, suggestion and even blasphemy of things that are considered by the musicians as facts of life that disadvantage people’s lives.
The statement was said by Abdullah Sumrahadi, S.I.P, M.Sc., a lecturer of Sociology Program of Sunan Kalijaga University Yogyakarta, when conducting an open examination of Doctoral Program of Sociology Science at UGM, Thursday (4/3). He defended a dissertation entitled Finding Social Criticism and Critical Awareness of Indonesian Rock Music. As a promoter was Prof. Dr. Heru Nugroho and co-promoters were Prof. Dr. Tadjuddin Noer Effendi and Dr. St. Sunardi.
Abdullah Sumrahadi said that the criticism on social problems has been frequently made by various elements of social movements and scientists. Criticism is usually derived from data processing and scientific analysis. It became unusual if the criticism of the social problems having economic, political and cultural dimensions is processed through arts, especially music.
"This is often ignored. Therefore, this study tries to build a model of criticism that is absorbed by musicians responding to social issues through artistic touch," said the man born in Klaten, 18 August 1977.
From his observation during 1990-2008 on two music groups, EdanE and Slank, Abdullah saw a difference. He felt that both of these bands have provided a clear essence of rock on the composition or musical presentation. The essence contains the spirit of resistance, anti-corruption, anti-neoliberalism and globalization. "EdanE’s previous albums brought extraordinary spirit of anti-globalization in their songs," said Abdullah Sumrahadi.
Rock musicians in their art can be juxtaposed by what Gramsci called as the ‘organic intellectuals’. For musicians, the role of intellectuals is not merely realized through academic course work but has a better role for community empowerment.
Meanwhile, in civil society study, the cultural actors, including artists, are often called organic intellectuals. "Therefore, the resistance movement against an exploitative state is expressed in the song," he explained. The husband of Dewi Nur Maryani and father of Arkana Danendra graduated with very excellent distinction.