JALUR BEBAS: The Path to Freedom Music Festival Features Migrant Workers' Bands

In Taiwan, a group of music-loving migrant workers use their leisure time to practice and write songs, but opportunities to perform on stage are few. In mid-June, Tainan hosted a migrant workers' band music festival featuring four performing groups, with free admission for the public. These bands include "One O'Clock Band," influenced by ONE OK ROCK, performing their original song "Harus pergi" and ONE OK ROCK's "Wherever You Are". Band leader Dhoni explained that "Harus pergi" depicts the story of Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan, working and falling in love, ultimately having to leave.

Tainan Cultural and Creative Park (Photo / Courtesy of Tainan Tourism Network) 

Also featured was the pop-punk band "Prabang Band," who performed songs like "Sirna" and "Juara Satu Setia," expressing the emotional lives of migrant workers in Taiwan. Lead vocalist Krisna and guitarist Timur stated that these songs reflect the workers' loyalty and their struggle against being misunderstood as playboys. 

From central Taiwan, the "GEMATI Cherished Band" comprises Indonesian factory workers supported by their employers. They have specially composed a new song for the music festival and performed "All the Time" by the legendary Indonesian band The S.I.G.I.T. They are eager to share the English lyrics and universal values of the song with Taiwanese fans. 

These bands' music showcases the lives and voices of migrant workers in Taiwan, with the music festival serving as a platform to display their talents. 

The newly formed migrant workers' band "ANTI-METRONOME" includes core members from the Black Robe band. Guitarist David and vocalist Roby, who have previously performed at events like Big Harbor, now look forward to collaborating with the band Slayer. Black Robe specializes in heavy metal, while ANTI-METRONOME explores hardcore music. They made their debut at the JALUR BEBAS Freedom Path Music Festival, presenting two new songs, "Bacot" and "Persetan," along with three classic tracks.

Tainan Hosts Migrant Workers' Band Music Festival; They Perform Original Song "Harus pergi" and ONE OK ROCK's "Wherever You Are" (Photo / Courtesy of MotionElements)

Co-founder of the Moving Romance Art Project, Song Jiayu, mentioned that the Tainan Cultural and Creative Park sponsored the venue, providing these migrant musicians with the opportunity to perform. Indonesian fans and directors volunteered, contributing to the success of the music festival. Song Jiayu explained that "JALUR BEBAS" in Indonesian means the path of freedom, symbolizing the inclusivity of various music genres and audiences.