Malay Romance Zaman Now
35. Punk City
“I used to be invited by the late fishing. Our family never ate chicken except for Ramadan and Lebaran, Ram, Gus. We always eat fish. Belida, cork, mackerel, shoes, catfish, anchovies. Ah, fish, fish, fish. Don't tell Wong Palembang if you like to eat fish.”
“Pas is still a child I often see you with the deceased fishing on the edge of Sekanak. I thought that little boy that skinny snot would be bait.”
“Sadis you, Ram.” Vio muttered. “I remember Father. I love you the same Father. We never bought fish in the market. We always go fishing. If you are sick, I am alone. I can swim because of my father. He is a tough guy.”
“If you meet the late, what do you want, Jok?”
“I will invite you to scold the people who have dirty Musi. You must be more surprised to see Musi more and less fish when compared to when he was a child first.”
“Hopefully. May the Musi River be like it was. Our grandparents lived with Musi. They boated on it. Traveling on it. Shower with water. Get fish from him. Trade on it.”
Vio threw his fishing line again. “I miss when I was a kid. December and January. High tide. Shower in the river in the afternoon. Play romp. Sleeping on top of rubber tires and floating carried the current. Diving for long. Until the water is drunk.”
“Now we can no longer do everything. Sekanak River and other Musi River children are now a ditch. Where could we take a dirty shower. Our grandfathers once said, someday the children of Musi River will no longer exist.”
“Please generation now. Can they swim? Ah, don't tell Wong Palembang if you can swim.”
“Our grandfather first if you want to go anywhere by boat. There are no roads except rivers and no means of transport except boats. The houses face the river. Most of his house is rickshaw.”
“Don't tell Wong Palembang that his house isn't rickshaw.”
Rama looked at the Musi River. “Now many tributaries are stockpiled and made into paved roads. Now Palembang dak deserves to be called River City. Didn't our place ever get the nickname Venice of the East?”
The three of them went home with three fish as big as an index finger. It is worthless compared to the fish that their fathers acquired decades ago.
“So you've been working at Mang Cik Mamat store, Ram?”
“It's been a week I quit.”
***
They prepare everything necessary for another gig at the cafe. Money from the work and the fruits they use to buy clothes and accessories. Their album contains three songs, namely Palembang Punk City which became hits, Rushing, and My Life Khayalku. From the first album it has made them known by punk music lovers in Palembang and also partly in the country. More than that, the name of their band began to compete with famous indie bands in the archipelago even began to balance the reputation and popularity of the band Sekasta Marjinal and Rosemary.
Through the help of Dita, Devrieya, and Masayu who also introduced their band through social media, their popularity began to soar so that their fans increased. Even so, they remain like they used to be and do not want to brag about what they have got. They even want to sit and hang out with punk children in Kambang Iwak and BKB. They buy food, drinks, and cigarettes to punk lovers. It was because of the kindness and sense of friendship that their band became more admired. During that time, they spent a lot of time training in a studio that they had built themselves out of their own sweat.
In a cafe located not far from Kambang Iwak they will perform and entertain all fans. Full parking filled by vehicle. Hundreds of young people dressed in all black crowded the cafe. Many of the fans who wear T-shirts with images and words Emo Punk Palembang. Not only t-shirts, but scarves, hats, and flags are also brought to welcome the euphoria of the cheerful appearance of Philosophie. Their enthusiasm was incredible on this special Sunday night.
“We have bought tickets!” protest some of those who tried to break the fence. There were also those who were desperately trying to rush in without having a ticket. Among the crowd there are even those who fight because of each other.The event should start at eight pm, but until nine o'clock the event has not yet begun. Organisers and police officers were overwhelmed to secure the rioting fans. To the extent that someone was seriously injured because of an argument.
The man who was the victim of the stabbing was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. While three perpetrators were immediately dragged by officers to the Police Department to be held accountable for their anarchist behavior. Apparently, at the confession of the three perpetrators, the stabbing victim started the problem because he insulted the name of the band Philosophie. Therefore the three perpetrators feel unhappy and try to finish the victim. But the three of them still get the right punishment for their actions.
Until nine o'clock, the show begins. The fans shouted as Rama arrived at the simple stage. Followed by Vio and Kiagus. While outside the cafe, the fans do not need to be sad because the committee has installed a big screen so they can still watch their favorite band from outside. Sound systems are also installed around Kambang Iwak. Rama greeted all his fans and the audience was hysterical.
“Emopunkers!”
All the spectators stood up and clapped.
“Wong Palembang cinto peace. Don't reboot the shampoo here. Okay Wong Kito Galo?” Rama recalled the words of the Superman Is Dead personnel, that not to be famous and get an award, but the important thing can convey something from the stage. For good and change, especially to introduce and build the country. Rama then saw that his two friends were ready.
Rama opens intro: C F G.
Come on, my friend keep moving forward
Put away the pill in your soul
Welcome tomorrow we can
Bring our own world
Survive to live
The harshness of the world does not shake me
Raise your glass, we'll toast
Hurry up and prepare yourself
Welcome tomorrow to dream
Face a world full of irony
Painting the bahagai until later
Like a reef in the waves
Just smile, friend
Release your ego and join hands
Awaken the despair, keep the spirit
Survive to live
The harshness of the world does not shake me
Raise your glass we toast
Hurry up and prepare yourself
Welcome tomorrow to dream
Face a world full of irony
Painting happy until later
***
