Bale is a social space that is easily found in Indonesian settlements, including in Bandung, especially in the era before the 2000s. Usually Bale is used as a place for deliberation, patrolling, and a place for young people to hang out. The activities are chatting, drinking coffee, sometimes alcohol, while playing guitar. The Rolling Stones’ music spread through this kind of hanging out and guitar practice.
Setun Guitar (Setun is an Indonesian pronunciation of Stones)
Some fans of The Rolling Stones in Bandung formed cover bands or fan clubs. There was also an annual Rolling Stones tribute festival called “Sampurastun” (taken from Sampurasun, which means hello in Sundanese — the majority tribe in Bandung and West Java).
A simple guitar like this is also a symbol of how The Rolling Stones are present in society.
Once Amedeuh, Forever Amedeuh (Video Collage)
A collage video showing the influence of The Rolling Stones in society. From mothers wearing hijab, Deddy Stanzah’s stages, buskers on the street, to children.
Jeger Area (Rama Saputra, 2024)
A soundscape created by Rama Saputra, a sound artist from Bandung. He recorded the situation on the streets and alleys of Bandung City, a place that is often associated as Jagger’s area and the activities of its residents such as singing, laughing, and hanging out.