The History of Gang Potlot, a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey as a Legendary Band in Indonesia

Gang Potlot in the Duren Tiga area, South Jakarta, is not just an ordinary small alley. This place has witnessed the birth of one of the most legendary bands in Indonesia, Slank, and has become a hub for the growth of various great musicians from the country. From a simple unnamed alley, Potlot has evolved into a center of musical creativity that continues to influence to this day.

The history of Gang Potlot began with the move of the Sidharta M Soemarno family and Bunda Iffet from Surabaya to Jakarta. Their simple step had a significant impact, as from this place, the spirit and great works that changed the face of Indonesian music were born. Gang Potlot not only became a home for Slank, but also a community that has produced many great musicians.

Many big names like Imanez, Bongky, and Pay emerged from this environment. Even Anang Hermansyah, who is now known as a top musician and producer, also started his music career from Potlot. Here is the history of Gang Potlot as a silent witness to Slank's colorful journey.

1. Bimbim's Family Move to Jakarta

The History of Gang Potlot, a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey (credit: Youtube/Babang Iban channel)

Sidharta M Soemarno and Bunda Iffet, the parents of Bimbim Slank, decided to move from Surabaya to Jakarta for a better future. Initially, they rented a house on Jalan Dempo 1, in the Kemayoran area, and stayed there for about three years.

The Sidharta family then chose to move to a small unnamed alley in the Duren Tiga area, South Jakarta. This decision marked the beginning of the legendary music community in Gang Potlot.

2. The Name "Potlot" is Taken from a Pencil Factory

The History of Gang Potlot as a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey (credit: Youtube/Babang Iban channel)

In front of the small alley they lived in, there stood a potlot or pencil factory that marked the area. Over time, the factory went bankrupt, and the owner decided to sell the land in the form of plots. Although the factory closed, the owner played a significant role by paving the small alley before selling the land.

The presence of the potlot factory near the alley led the local community to start calling the area Gang Potlot. This name became attached as the new community occupying the plots developed. Gang Potlot gradually began to be inhabited by various newcomers who brought new colors to the environment.

3. Bimbim's House Becomes a Music Basecamp

The History of Gang Potlot, a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey (credit: Youtube/Babang Iban channel)

Bimbim's family house in Gang Potlot then became a gathering place for teenagers who have a passion for music. Since 1983, this place has witnessed how young people like Imanez and Bongky spent their time making music together. The spirit of creativity began to grow strong in that environment.

Seeing the enthusiasm of the young people growing larger, Bunda Iffet took an important step by building a simple music studio in the area of the house. This studio provided space for the children's creativity, including Bimbim and Massto. The existence of this studio became the starting point for the birth of a creative music community in Potlot.

4. Studio Started to Be Established and the Emergence of Various Bands

The History of Gang Potlot, a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey (credit: Youtube/Babang Iban channel)

A simple studio in Bimbim's family home gave birth to various bands, such as Band Lovina, led by Massto and Kaka, and Lemon Tea, led by Oppie and Bimbim. Lovina and Lemon Tea later became the forerunners of the creative music ecosystem of Potlot.

Ultimately, Bimbim invited Kaka to form Slank at the end of 1990, just before the launch of Slank's debut album. Initially, Kaka only promised to stay for two years, but the journey with Slank has kept him going until today.

5. Gang Potlot Becomes Witness to Slank's Journey

The History of Gang Potlot that Became a Silent Witness to Slank's Journey (credit: Youtube/Babang Iban channel)

Slank's debut album titled Suit...He-He (Sexy Girl) released in 1990 marked a new milestone in the Indonesian music scene. This album not only achieved commercial success by winning the BASF Awards for Best-Selling Album in the Rock Music category for 1990-1991, but also established Slank as an icon of Indonesian rock music. This success is inseparable from the strong community that formed in Gang Potlot.

As popularity grew, Slank expanded its reach to the international stage by performing in the United States and Japan. Gang Potlot, which was once just a small alley, has now become Slank's headquarters and a symbol of the birth of various great musical talents in Indonesia. From this place, Slank's musical spirit continues to burn brightly to this day.

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(kpl/sjn)