The early 2000s was the moment for the rise of reggae music in Indonesia.  Various styles of reggae music from various units, making the Jamaican music scene was born and continue to grow from year to year. One of Indonesian musicians who took part in this era was Emilio Siregar, frontman and founder of the reggae group, Gangstarasta. We have the honour to interview him and share it to our friends here.

His accidental introduction to Jamaican music happened when he was a kid. His father, who loves music, often took young Emil to his fav record shop; Irama Mas Audio. They went there frequently when they were living in Palembang around 1988. On one of their shopping sessions, Emil was enchanted by the cover of Bob Marley’s “Survival” cassette. His father, who loves dangdut (Indonesian folk music) allowed him to listen to that album, the rest is history.

“Me and my father listened to “Could You Be Loved” for the first time there. We like it! He bought the album for me, I didn’t know it’s reggae yet. Well, it’s my first encounter with reggae”

Emil then went to Jakarta for his study in 1996. He attended civil engineering at the University of Mercu Buana. There, he and his classmates formed a band called Marsel, which stands for Meruya Selatan (The area where the campus is located). The band was playing the repertoire of RHCP (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) such as “Give It Away”, “Soul To Squeeze”, “Under The Bridge” etc. But he told us, two important musicians who inspired him to make music were Bob Marley and Max Cavalera (Sepultura and Soulfly).

In 1999 Emil met his mentor for the first time, Tony Q Rastafara (an Indonesian singer who was ordained as the president of Indonesian reggae). This powerful musician also gave Emil inspiration, motivation and many big lessons about the spirit of reggae music. 

Two years later, on December 19, 2001, he paved his musical journey by forming a roots reggae unit, “Gangstarasta,” who played their gigs for the first time at the inauguration party of  Mercu Buana University.  Although he was opposed by his late mother who preferred him to work as a civil servant or entrepreneur, Emil managed to prove that his choice was worthy, by referring to the meaning of reggae itself, that it takes struggle to achieve anything. He explained that his strength was doubled after receiving the inner and outer blessing of his mother.

Emil explained that the name Gangstarasta was inspired by the song “Gangsta Paradise” (Coolio and Kylian Mash), one of the soundtracks for the film “Dangerous Mind.” He also added that Steven Kaligis and Teddy “Opa” Wardhana were instrumental figures in the journey of this music unit. Together with those two important figures in the realm of Jamaican sound in this country, Emil did jamming (at Memories Cafe, Jaksa St. – Jakarta) which eventually led to the birth of Gangstarasta.

Gangstarasta had released a very limited EP independently, (only sold for a limited time for them to perform in Jayapura – Papua in 2006, at the invitation of Roy Putuhena from Tuff Gong). This mini album from Gangstarasta’s initial line-up contains “Unity”, “I’m Sorry Baby”, “Sunshine” and an additional 1 song, “Legalize”. In 2008, the debut full-length album “Unite” was released.

“One of Indonesian reggae heroes to me and Gangstarasta is the late Roy Putuhena, (Rastafara & Tuff Gong). On our debut (“Unite”), he played 9 out of 10 bass tracks for us, he really supports the young generation and Indonesian reggae to grow. Bless and love for the deceased”

Gangstarasta has also undergone several line up rotations. Until this interview was conducted, only Emilio Siregar and Chris Barabas were the core members. The frontman wisely said that although it was an obstacle, the lesson to be learned was that this change also gave Gangstarasta a fresh colour into their composition, from the Jamaican music sub-genre to roots reggae. It is proven through the sophomore album “Better Way” (2015) which features the main single “Reggae Disco”, who steal the attention of Gangstaman, as Gangstarasta fans are called.

In many lyrics he wrote, Emil told us that his fav theme is around a positive spirit about friendship, togetherness, diversity and humanity.

“Togetherness (theme), I mean, God created us differently to know and love one another. We all know, we have differences, but my love for others is no different, I really love my fellow human beings.”

Gangstarasta has performed in many cities in the country throughout their career. One of the memorable moments was when they had a gig in the Tembagapura area, to be precise at PT. Freeport in 2016 for the second time. Emil said that the venue was at the ridge camp, one of the highest lands in the area. The freezing temperatures forced them to wear several layers of thick clothing, which had no effect. They even consume alcohol to give the body heat, which unfortunately didn’t work out. (alcohol) It’s not a thing Gangstarasta asked for in their riders. Emil closed this story with a big laugh.

When Kultur asked about what Gangstarasta’s biggest achievement was, Emil clearly wanted to appear on international gigs, especially in the reggae festival. With this hope, he also leaked a little about Gangstarasta’s future releases by composing several songs in English.

Emil has close ties with the reggae community from all over Indonesia, he is known for being easy to get along with. For him, the community is a home to anyone who loves reggae, to collaborate, do things together. He also shared his thoughts to Gangstaman to also support all musicians and the reggae community in Indonesia apart from Gangstarasta of course.

“Reggae in Indonesia is very big. The community is big as well. I hope this can be more solid, we can make a small differences into a big power, through reggae and its community”

With many achievements that he accomplished so far, Emilio remains humble to others. He is still willing to learn even though from the generation after him. Such a positive vibe he always shared, something that he earned from the people around him. Big respect Emil! For turning the beat around!

Reporter: Keyko, Yedi

Text: Keyko, Sam

Translation: Sam