JAKARTA, 25 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – In a dimly lit, smoke-filled warehouse in the heart of Jakarta, hundreds of young men and women, some clad in hijabs, raise their arms in unison, bouncing to the timeless tunes of British music from the 1990s.
Over 7,000 miles (11,000 kilometres) from its birthplace, the spirit of ‘Britpop’—a movement that epitomised the Cool Britannia era three decades ago—has found a vibrant home in Indonesia. At the centre of this resurgence are iconic British bands such as Oasis, Blur, and Suede, whose anthemic songs continue to resonate with young Indonesians.
A Thriving Subculture
Leading this revival is a DJ collective known as the Weekenders Service Crew, a group that has transformed student gatherings into full-scale Britpop party events. What began as small gatherings in Yogyakarta has now evolved into a nationwide movement, drawing thousands of attendees across Java.
“Music is my soul, and I bring Weekenders Service Crew to other cities to share the happiness, to share the vibe,” said 24-year-old co-founder Abraham Vieniel. “It’s a blend of fashion, music, and football—everything intertwined.”
The nostalgia for British music in Southeast Asia may seem unexpected, but its appeal as a melodic, feel-good antidote to the darker tones of American grunge and contemporary pop has endured. This sentiment has fuelled the Weekenders Service Crew’s meteoric rise. In just two years, the group has amassed over 30,000 followers on Instagram, posting scenes of revelry alongside images of Britpop legends Liam Gallagher and Damon Albarn.
More Than Just Music: A Lifestyle
The Britpop-inspired crowd in Indonesia takes its fashion cues directly from the UK’s 1990s streetwear. Attendees don classic Reebok trainers, Kangol bucket hats, and Stone Island jackets, reminiscent of the European ‘casual’ football fan subculture. Others opt for flat caps, giving off the distinctive aura of characters from the British television series Peaky Blinders.
“It’s like in the UK—after watching football, they go to the bar,” said 18-year-old student Muhammad Fillah Pratama. “I think what Indonesians are adopting is the culture of the UK.”
One striking aspect of these gatherings is their ability to unite football fans from rival clubs, an extraordinary feat in a nation with a history of fierce and, at times, violent football rivalries.
“In every club, there’s always some level of rivalry,” said Peter Chev, a 23-year-old supporter of Persija Jakarta. “But here, they are united in one venue, one space.”
A Safe Haven for Expression
The energy at these events is palpable. When Bimo Nugroho, the co-founder of Weekenders Service Crew, takes the stage with dark sunglasses and slicked-back hair, the warehouse erupts. For just $5 per ticket, revellers immerse themselves in a night of uninhibited celebration. Through the haze of smoke and flashing lights, voices unite in passionate singalongs of I Am the Resurrection by The Stone Roses, Oasis ballads, and tracks from The Smiths—one of the key inspirations behind Britpop.
As the night progresses, British classics give way to iconic football chants, including Liverpool’s You’ll Never Walk Alone and West Ham’s I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.
Unlike some rowdy concerts, these Britpop nights maintain an inclusive and safe environment. Women form part of the audience, enjoying the music alongside their male counterparts.
“Old and young, men and women—everyone is welcome,” added Chev.
The collective actively promotes equality, with messages such as “No sexism. No racism. No violence” regularly featured on their social media pages.
A Cultural Phenomenon Rooted in History
Indonesia’s fascination with British music and culture may have deeper roots. According to ethnomusicologist Aris Setyawan, the love for Britpop can be traced back to Indonesia’s colonial past. Cities like Jakarta and Bandung, originally built for European settlers, have long harboured a cultural admiration for Western styles.
However, the scene is more than mere nostalgia—it serves as an outlet for Indonesia’s youth, many of whom have been protesting against budget cuts by President Prabowo Subianto. In this uncertain political climate, British music provides a form of escape.
“Britpop acts as a catharsis,” Setyawan explained. “It allows them to momentarily forget the struggles of their daily lives.”
Keeping the Party Alive
Recognising the power of music to uplift, the Weekenders Service Crew strategically hosts events on Sunday nights, offering attendees a euphoric send-off before the workweek begins.
As the lights dim and the final notes of Don’t Look Back in Anger fade away, the crowd keeps singing, unwilling to let the night end.
For Abraham, the energy of these gatherings is more than just business—it’s a passion.
“This isn’t a job. It’s a party, man,” he grinned. “We have fun with this music. We have fun with this fashion. And for a moment, we forget our worries.”