Bintang Radio Contest as Effort to Build a National Identity, 1950s

Dhanang Respati Puguh Dhanang Respati Puguh,Rafngi Mufidah Rafngi Mufidah

doi:10.32734/lwsa.v3i4.1126

Dhanang Respati Puguh Dhanang Respati Puguh, Rafngi Mufidah Rafngi Mufidah

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32734/lwsa.v3i4.1126

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Abstract

This article discusses Bintang Radio Contest organized by Radio Republik Indonesia in the 1950s. The article was compiled using historical methods and using a range of contemporary sources such as magazines (Berita Radio, Mimbar Indonesia, Star Weekly, and National), articles, monographs, and books. Bintang Radio contest was held due to the fact that Indonesian people had not acquired adequate music and vocal education. The main purpose in organizing Bintang Radio Contest is to provide motivation and understanding to singers to sing professionally, in which they must have provisions on musical techniques and insight; changing people’s perceptions; and exchange ideas about music. Bintang Radio Contest was held by selection from preliminary in the regional to final rounds in the national level by certain evaluation criteria. The organizing of Bintang Radio Contest as an effort to establish a national identity.

Highlights

In accordance with the formation of the Unitary State Republic of Indonesia, “the nation state is seen as a protector culture and a barrier to cultural imperialism” [1]
Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), was established in a conference held in Jakarta on September 11, 1945, has responsible in developing Indonesian culture
Bintang Radio Contest was the most awaited event for both singer and society. This could be seen from the venue for Final Night of Bintang Radio Contest, both at regional and national levels, which were constantly full of audiences

Summary

Introduction

In accordance with the formation of the Unitary State Republic of Indonesia, “the nation state is seen as a protector culture and a barrier to cultural imperialism” [1]. Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), was established in a conference held in Jakarta on September 11, 1945, has responsible in developing Indonesian culture. In its position as a government cultural media, RRI has the responsible to make efforts towards the collection and broadcasting of regional culture so that it is acknowledged by all Indonesian people. In this regard, RRI obliged to explore all the richness of the indigenous culture of the Indonesian nation so that it could be introduced to the community.

Discourse on Indonesian Cultural Development

Bintang Radio Contest

Significance for the Development of Indonesian Music

Conclusion