Innovation

IMJ was built independently and has made a real contribution towards the alleviation of social problems that plague the streets, especially for street musicians. The work of musicians sponsored by IMJ has been collected into two albums, with a third coming out August 2018. IMJ’s success does not stop there. When Depok City celebrated its 17th anniversary on April 30, 2016 IMJ worked with the city government to establish a "Kartu Mengamen" (Busking Card), also called a SUPERCARD.

Street musicians who underwent a rigorous selection process were trained at the Street Music Institute to obtain one of these licenses. SUPERCARD holders get a designated place of place to perform selected by the local government. Locations to perform include malls, hotels, restaurants and cafes, open green spaces, and tourist attractions.

This program is helping the public get access by providing an easy way to know which musicians are qualified. The work of IMJ is an opening step for street musicians to be able to work under better conditions.

Inspiration

Local government regulations in Depok City are harsh to people who work in the informal economy to earn a living, especially street musicians who face discrimination similar to homeless people, beggars, and the mentally ill. There is no space for expression to channel their talents and passion even though many have tremendous potential. The government is reactionary in nature, and uninterested in solving the problem. Instead, it often arrests them in raids.

Based on the problem Andi Malewa together with Andi Malewa, Frysto Gurning and Iksan Sekuter tried to unravel the problem by sharing tasks. Andi Malewa acted as a recruiter for street musicians. Iksan Sekuter developed the musical ability of street musicians. Frysto Guring sought out investors. With the collaboration on the 17th of August 2014, the Street Music Institute launched an album titled Beat Today "Kalahkan Hari Ini,” which is the work of street musicians. As an indie music producer, IMJ also markets the media it helps produce. The work is also distributed through iTunes and Spotify. Kalahkan Hari Ini sold 2000 copies at its launch, demonstrating the viability of street musicians work in the Indonesian music market.

According to Andy Malewa, IMJ is not just a place to make music. It is a form of resistance and rebellion against all discriminatory actions, not through riot but through real work.

Overall impact

The work that IMJ is doing is providing immediate benefits to street musicians, the local government, and the general public. Street musicians are able to practice their craft free of the negative stigma they once faced. Now, they have places to legally perform and are taken seriously as professionals.

The government is benefiting from having from having professional musicians who can can play at cultural destinations, business, etcetera. They also are now able to manage and regulate an industry that was previously viewed as disorderly and problematic. The public is able to better enjoy the unique music of Depok’s street musicians.

In the future, IMJ’s work will be expanded, so street musicians in the rest of Indonesia can ply their trade without having to travel to Jakarta.

Business benefit

By finding a way to market the work of street musicians to the public, IMJ has gained access to a new product. Street musicians see most of the profits from their work, 80%, but IMJ still receives 20%. The company has released 2 albums with a third on the way.

Social and environmental benefit

IMJ gives new job opportunities to street musicians. This benefits street musicians whose quality of life is improved. The Street Music Institute does not work alone, but in cooperation with the government to solve social issue, for example with the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia will certify street musicians through SUPERCARD.

Interviews

Andi Malewa, ST

Andi Malewa, ST