Remembering the Jakarta Pensi of the 2000s: Between Memory, Tradition, and Also Competition

Kapanlagi.com - Before RGB lighting and LED screens became the standard as they are today, the Arts Performance (Pensi) events in the 2000s had their own charm. The simple stage, hand-drawn posters from photocopies, and colorful paper wrist tickets all felt magical for high school students at that time. Especially for high school students in Jakarta in the 2000s, pensi was not just entertainment, but also a venue for competition.

One of the measures of a successful pensi is who the guest stars are that can be brought in. If your school could invite a cool band at that time, like Nidji, Letto, The Changcuters, or even Sheila On 7, then your school would definitely elevate its social status.

It makes sense, because persuading a big band to perform at a pensi event is certainly not an easy or cheap task. Moreover, as we know, the pensi committee members are usually still high school students. So, the results of their efforts deserve to be appreciated as much as possible.

Let's go back to the nostalgia of the 2000s pensi. Is there anyone among you who experienced it during that era? Let's take a trip down memory lane together..

1. The Lineup That Is Always Anticipated

It is a pride to perform on the school event stage (Credit: Special)

The stage of the 2000s school events was filled with bands that are mostly legends now. There was a time when all schools competed to invite Ungu, Samsons, or Netral. What about the more underground? Efek Rumah Kaca and The Upstairs were always the targets of artsy and indie kids.

But don't forget, the main star is still: the school band itself, whose audience can sometimes be more enthusiastic than the guest band! Is it the same at your school?

2. Merchandise & Booths of the 2000s

Back then, booths at school events were usually known as OSIS trade stands. They sold screen-printed shirts, bookmarks, pirated CDs, or cute phone charms. The brands that participated in school events were usually from teen magazines or indie clothing distros.

3. Documentation Using Digital Cameras

Moments that will be remembered in the future (Photo credit: Personal Documentation of SMAN 6 Jakarta)

There was no such thing as an Instagram story post back then. The young people who came usually documented their fun using a digital pocket camera or handycam. That was only for those who had one.

If not, they would usually take group photos at the mural photobooth, then tag them on Facebook 2 weeks later. That alone was already luxurious and very trendy!

4. Inter-School Prestige

Trendy prom banner at the time (Credit: Special)

The prom is also a 'show-off' event between schools. Who has the biggest stage? The coolest invitations? The loudest supporter chants? There are no prizes, but still; prestige is at stake.

And for sure, you MUST attend the prom, so you won't miss the topic of conversation next Monday in the school canteen. :)

5. Why is This Nostalgia Important?

Pensi is not just a memory, but also a tradition. Although everything may be modern and different now, the spirit and meaning remain the same.

Now, KapanLagi.com will also participate in this tradition through its latest event: KapanLagi Pensi Bareng 2025. This program aligns with KapanLagi.com's commitment to strengthen its position as a relevant entertainment media for the younger generation, especially Gen Z.

Curious about the details? Keep following the updates only on KapanLagi.com or on social media account @kapanlagicom.

(kpl/gtr)