“… Tiada bingkisan
Hanya kecintaan
Akan kebebasan mendatang
La historia me absolvera…”
These words, etched into prison walls by political detainee Santosa during his incarceration at Pekambingan Prison, form the poignant opening lines of Made Mawut’s latest single, Tabir Kelam (“Dark Veil”). Premiered alongside its evocative music video at Taman Baca Kesiman, this song is not merely a piece of art but a bridge to Bali’s hidden history, a narrative that many would rather forget but which demands to be heard.
Unveiling History Through Music
The events of 1965 in Indonesia remain a painful scar, their truth buried under layers of propaganda and fear. As history has been rewritten by those in power, generations of Indonesians have been fed selective narratives. Mass killings, the loss of innocent lives, and families torn apart are stories that have largely been silenced. But in the vibrant, open space of Taman Baca Kesiman, survivors, artists, and young creatives are starting to piece together the fragmented truth.
Made Mawut, a musician whose presence is as magnetic as his creativity, steps boldly into this shadowy terrain with Tabir Kelam. Known previously for his culinary prowess—famously whipping up fiery chili noodles—Made uses his art to stir up a different kind of heat. “This event is shrouded in secrecy to this day, leaving an essential void in our nation’s historical record. Over time, the truth has a way of surfacing, as it did on Cucukan Beach, Gianyar,” Made shared.
The release of Tabir Kelam on March 31, 2023, on digital platforms marks a pivotal moment for the artist. Made enlisted the talents of folk duo Nosstress, whose contributions enrich the song’s arrangement with warmth and depth.
A Song to Remember
For Nosstress’ Angga, collaborating on Tabir Kelam was a profound experience. “Made is more than a friend; he’s a mentor,” Angga shared. Initially hesitant to tackle such a sensitive topic, Angga eventually embraced the challenge. “If fear persists, the regime has already succeeded in silencing us. Our ignorance would be their legacy,” he asserted.
With Tabir Kelam, Made Mawut offers listeners a gateway to an alternative historical narrative. The song encourages reflection and dialogue, ensuring the dark chapter of 1965 is not forgotten.
“This isn’t about assigning blame,” Made emphasized. “It’s about uncovering the truth so that future generations can learn from our history and prevent such tragedies from recurring.”
The Producer’s Perspective
For producer Dadang SH Pranoto, Made’s work exemplifies the transformative power of music. “Made has an incredible ability to address social issues with stark honesty,” Dadang observed. “Through Tabir Kelam, he revives a story silenced for decades, all within a powerful 4-minute and 15-second track. It’s extraordinary.”
As the album’s producer, Dadang recognized the significance of Made’s message. “Music must serve a purpose. Tabir Kelam transcends entertainment; it’s a vital piece of historical literacy.”
Dadang’s partnership with Made reflects Pohon Tua Creatorium’s commitment to meaningful artistry. “Made’s growth as a songwriter enriches Bali’s music industry, and Tabir Kelam is a testament to his maturity as an artist,” Dadang added.
A Visual Journey
The music video for Tabir Kelam is as layered as the song itself. Directed by Hadhi Kusuma, with Baskara Putra serving as cinematographer, the visual narrative weaves powerful symbolism into its less-than-five-minute runtime.
“Made shared the concept with me, and I was immediately inspired,” Hadhi revealed. Collaborating with Baskara, known for his evocative imagery, the duo crafted a video rich in metaphors.
Symbols like shoes, a woman in pink, and a bird serve as allegories, each element contributing to the story. “The shoes represent a vessel for passing down the story to future generations,” Hadhi explained. “Our goal was to present the history as it is, raw and unfiltered, so it becomes a lesson for all.”
Despite the grim subject matter, the video’s tone remains optimistic, focusing on hope and resilience rather than despair.
A Collaborative Triumph
From its inception to its execution, Tabir Kelam embodies the spirit of collaboration. Made worked closely with Nosstress on the arrangement, blending his distinctive style with the duo’s folk sensibilities. The track’s production was handled by Dadang Pranoto, with mixing and mastering by Cipta Gunawan at Stonedeaf Music Studio.
The single’s artwork, designed by Slinat, and layout by Putu Deoris, further enrich the project’s aesthetic. Together, this team has created a work that transcends music, becoming a cultural artifact that bridges art and history.
The Courage to Confront
Tabir Kelam is not just a song; it’s a call to action. It challenges listeners to confront a history that many would prefer to ignore. By shedding light on the events of 1965, Made Mawut invites us to remember, reflect, and, ultimately, learn.
For Dadang, this is the essence of meaningful art. “Music is a powerful medium—it amplifies the voices of the unheard. Tabir Kelam brings a silenced story back to life, ensuring it resonates with a new generation.”
As Made Mawut continues to push boundaries, his work serves as a reminder that art can be a catalyst for change. With Tabir Kelam, he has created a piece that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal, a testament to the enduring power of music to illuminate even the darkest corners of history.
The Team Behind Tabir Kelam
Single:
- Lyrics by Made Mawut
- Performed by Made Mawut feat. Nosstress
- Arranged by Made Mawut and Dadang Pranoto
- Produced by Dadang Pranoto
- Mixed and mastered by Cipta Gunawan (Stonedeaf Music Studio)
- Executive Producer: Pohon Tua Creatorium
- Artwork by Slinat
- Layout by Putu Deoris
Music Video:
- Produced by Made Mawut
- Directed and edited by Hadhi Kusuma
- Cinematography by Baskara Putra
Tabir Kelam is not just a song—it’s a bridge to history, a call for reflection, and a beacon of hope. Made Mawut’s courage and artistry have turned a silenced chapter into a symphony of resilience, proving that music is not only an art form but also a force for truth and change.