SBY and His Artistic Soul, from the Stage of PestaPora to the Gallery in Cikeas - A President Who Loves His Country in His Own Way

Kapanlagi.com - Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, is once again capturing public attention through the world of music. Recently, he released a music video titled Save Our World, an environmentally themed song performed with 35 singers from various generations of the country.

The song is not a new creation. SBY composed it in 2010 after attending a climate change conference in Oslo, Norway. However, it was only this year that the song was produced in a cinematic music video format and released by The Yudhoyono Institute. In this project, SBY collaborated with musicians such as Titiek Puspa, Yuni Shara, Sandhy Sondoro, Tantri Kotak, and Saykoji.

1. A Series of Albums

Another interesting fact is that Save Our World is just one of many musical works that SBY has produced. He is recorded to have released five albums since taking office as president until his retirement.

These albums include Rinduku Padamu (2007), Evolusi (2009), I’m Certain I’ll Get There (2010), Harmoni Alam Cinta dan Keamanan (2011), and a karaoke compilation album in 2014.

2. Sing Dozens of Songs

SBY © instagram.com/presidenyudhoyonoalbum

In total, SBY has sung dozens of songs on various themes, ranging from love, hope, to peace and nationalism. He is also noted as the only Indonesian president who has consistently produced works in the field of music.

His works have even received appreciation from the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) for this unique achievement. For SBY, music is a way to express his values and feelings personally, as well as a means of communication that touches a wide audience. Many people and art observers believe that SBY brings a more humanistic approach to leadership through his musical works.

3. Public Response

However, not all responses to SBY's singing hobby are positive. Some members of the public and netizens appreciate his efforts to balance politics and art. Many believe that this hobby shows the human side of a great figure and proves that art can be used to voice important issues. Some public figures even stated that SBY's presence on the music stage adds a unique color to the Indonesian art world, as he brings a combination of experience, emotional depth, and love for his homeland.

On the other hand, criticism has also emerged. Some claim that SBY's musical activities are a form of overly grand political image-making and are often used to respond to crises. Meanwhile, others point out that SBY has previously used his power to promote his singing hobby. It was noted that a song by SBY titled United and Rising was performed at the opening of the 2011 SEA Games. This was considered too forced.

4. Various Iconic Moments

SBY © instagram.com/presidenyudhoyonoalbum

A number of iconic moments when SBY sang are still vividly remembered by the public. One of them occurred in 2014 when he sang with his cabinet ministers at a farewell event. This moment showcased a relaxed and familiar side between the leader and his aides.

Then in 2023, SBY appeared at a political event singing the song Kamu Nggak Sendirian dedicated to Prabowo Subianto—a gesture considered symbolic by many. This action became one of the most talked-about events at the time as it demonstrated political alignment through art.

5. Performing at Pestapora

SBY © instagram.com/presidenyudhoyonoalbum

Equally viral was an event in 2024, when SBY spontaneously karaoke'd the song Yellow by Coldplay in an electronics store at a mall. This moment was recorded by visitors and went viral on social media.

Moreover, in the same year, SBY also performed at the Pestapora music festival, singing several songs, including Pelangi di Matamu and Untuk Bumi Kita. His presence at the music festival emphasized that SBY's hobby of making music is not just personal entertainment, but also a way for him to interact with the younger generation and the broader public.

6. Has a Painting Gallery

SBY © instagram.com/presidenyudhoyonoalbum

In addition to music, SBY is also known as a figure with a deep artistic soul, especially in painting. After no longer serving as president, he established the SBY Art Studio in Cikeas and exhibited some of his works that express social, political, and humanitarian themes.

One of his famous paintings is titled No Justice No Peace, which depicts the unrest over global injustice. SBY's paintings can also be enjoyed at the SBY–Ani Museum in Pacitan, East Java, which has become one of the cultural and educational tourist destinations.

The combination of his hobby of singing and painting shows that SBY is not only a politician and former leader of the country but also an artist with a high sensitivity to aesthetics and life.

(kpl/tdr)