Cokelat Band Tells About Their Twisted Experience Performing the Song 'Bendera' in Beijing

Kapanlagi.com - The legendary band Cokelat, known for their love-themed and spirited songs about the homeland, recently shared their unique experience performing their iconic song Bendera in Beijing.

The story began when Cokelat received an invitation from the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Beijing to perform at a special event. However, their journey to the stage was not smooth, especially due to unusual requirements from the organizers.

Kikan, the lead vocalist of Cokelat, shared that for the first time in her career with Cokelat, they were required to submit all the lyrics of the songs they would perform, translated into Mandarin. This requirement was strictly enforced by the local government.

“They were that strict. If it was another song, it wouldn’t be a problem, but when it came to the song Bendera, the government there was suspicious that there might be propaganda or something,” Kikan revealed.

1. A Difficult Process

Although they experienced some complications during this process, Kikan and her team finally received permission to perform the song.

“It was a bit complicated, but thank God it was approved,” she added.

2. The Situation When Cokelat Performed

However, the twists and turns of performing the song Bendera in Beijing did not stop there. Kikan recounted how on the day of their performance, the atmosphere around the venue was very tight with extraordinary security. There were many Beijing police officers guarding the area.

“There were a lot of Beijing police, apparently they were making sure we weren’t doing any kind of oration,” said Kikan.

3. Hard Work Paid Off

This experience left all the band members a bit shocked, considering their goal was simply to spread enthusiasm through music.

Amidst the challenging experience, Kikan and the other members of Cokelat felt that all their hard work was rewarded when they met the elderly people from Indonesia living in Beijing. These elders were people who had moved to Beijing during the 1965 tragedy in Indonesia.

“They shared that they wanted to return to Indonesia but didn’t dare, I was touched by that story,” Kikan said emotionally.

4. A Meaningful Experience

This moment became very meaningful for Kikan and friends, as they felt they could slightly ease the longing of the elders for their homeland.

The meeting with these elders not only became a touching moment but also provided deep meaning for Cokelat in performing the song Bendera in a foreign land.

The song, which was initially considered potentially inciting propaganda by the local government, was able to become an emotional bridge between the musicians and the Indonesian diaspora who had long been away from their homeland.

5. Kikan's Story About Their Performance

Kikan also felt that the elders present at the event, even though far from their hometown, were able to heal all the difficulties they experienced during the preparation process of performing the song Bendera in Beijing.

“They came with full spirit, and that really strengthened us. This experience is truly unforgettable,” said Kikan.

6. Unique and Meaningful Story

The experience of carrying the flag in Beijing became one of the unique and meaningful stories in Cokelat's career journey. Despite facing various challenges, they managed to deliver a memorable performance that entertained the Indonesian diaspora longing for their homeland.

This story also reaffirms that music can be a bridge connecting hearts separated by distance and time.

(kpl/pur/dyn)