Posan Tobing Elevates Batak Music to the Orchestra Stage, Ensures All Songs Performed Are Authorized by Their Creators

Kapanlagi.com - The Anak Ni Raja Orchestra concert was successfully held at the Bekasi Convention Center on Saturday night (7/6/2025). This event featured renowned Batak musicians in a collaborative stage full of cultural richness and musicality.

Initiated by Posan Tobing, this concert is designed not only as entertainment but also as an appreciation for Batak music. Posan emphasized that this concert carries a strong cultural mission.

"This concert that we organize annually is packaged with an orchestra. Why an orchestra? Indeed, Bang Vicky Sianipar is my mainstay when it comes to making music. Batak songs need to be upgraded as regional music," said Posan Tobing at the Bekasi Convention Center on Saturday (7/6/2025).

With a lineup of big names such as Rita Butar Butar, Viky Sianipar, Marsada Band, as well as Senada Trio and Silvani Aritonang, this concert truly became a cross-generational stage. Posan mentioned that all the names involved were carefully selected based on data and quality.

"We base on data, who the artists people want to watch." So this is the most requested one. This time we also have an extraordinary opportunity from the Bekasi Convention Center," explained Posan.

The choice of location for the concert in Bekasi is not without reason. Although it has been questioned by many, Posan sees Bekasi as the right place due to the large Batak community in the area.

"Honestly, when we decided to hold it in Bekasi, many asked why we chose Bekasi. This is where the Batak people are," he said.

Interestingly, Ferdy Tahier, the vocalist of the band Element, is also involved in this concert. Ferdy's involvement is not solely due to popularity but also driven by emotional ties and his family background.

1. Started from a Podcast

"To be honest, when Posan invited me, my father was Batak. He really wanted me to be able to speak Batak, while I was born in Bandung and grew up in Bogor. Then when he saw me speaking with a Sundanese accent, he would get angry, 'You are Batak,' he said," said Ferdy Tahier.

"But he has passed away. So I really want to be able to sing Batak songs. Thank you so much for inviting me here. Hopefully, the late one can see it from there," he added.

Posan admitted that the invitation to Ferdy started from their conversation on the podcast. He saw a longing within Ferdy to connect more with his cultural roots as a Batak descendant.

"I met Ferdy when I was podcasting at his place; there is a longing for a Batak concert. And he challenged me. I can't just make it up. It turns out he is very serious," said Posan.

Senior singer Rita Butar Butar also expressed her pride in being involved in this concert. She sees Posan's presence as a much-needed form of regeneration in the Batak music industry.

"Honestly, as a singer, I am proud that there is Posan Tobing from Batak. There used to be Vicky Sianipar. This is a pride for us. As singers, we fully support it. I am very happy to be part of this event," said Rita.

Viky Sianipar, known as the maestro of modern Batak music arrangements, also provided an insight into how the regional music industry now has its own space. He mentioned that Batak music is able to thrive without relying too much on the national music industry.

"Just a little insight, the regional music industry in Indonesia already has its own world. And Batak is one of the biggest. So it doesn't depend on the national music industry, it can stand on its own," said Vicky.

2. Batak Songs Can Be Accepted

Posan Tobing © KapanLagi.com/Fikri Alfi Rosyadi

Furthermore, Viky revealed that his mission from the beginning has been to present Batak songs that can be accepted by the younger generation without losing their essence. He also appreciates Posan as the successor to the spirit he has carried since the early 2000s.

"That’s why we are competing to arrange these Batak folk songs without changing their essence so that they are easily accepted by the younger generation. I am relieved now that there is my successor, my brother Posan," he added.

Senada Trio, who also took part in the concert, expressed pride in being involved. They mentioned that Posan's invitation was a special honor.

"It was quite surprising when Posan called to invite us to the event 'Anak Ni Raja', it is a great honor. I hope 'Anak Ni Raja' continues to advance in the future," said Senada Trio.

This concert also underwent evaluation and improvement compared to the previous year. Posan mentioned the addition of elements such as a red carpet curated by the Putri Indonesia from North Sumatra as a response to the audience's enthusiasm.

"This year we are adding and accommodating the audience's enthusiasm. 'Bro, make a red carpet, we have already dressed up.' It will be curated by Putri Indonesia from North Sumatra," explained Posan.

In terms of musicality, the preparation for this concert took months. The selection of songs was done meticulously to highlight the character of each singer.

"Making this concert is not easy and is a huge challenge. Not enough for a month or two. The selection of songs is because the singers here already have their own characters. We have indeed chosen according to their respective strengths. We have obtained permission from the creators of these songs, and that is the most important thing. Even the creators will be present here," explained Posan.

(kpl/far/tdr)