Rising Southeast Asian DJ DITA curates us a playlist of tracks from Indonesia that everyone needs to hear.

'Licik' by Delly Rollies & Friends 82

'Licik' is one of Indonesia's best kept secrets. This nine-minute track has such a unique, haunting energy, and the way it uses the vocoder is like nothing I’ve heard before. Written and recorded on the spot in 1981, it’s a perfect example of raw, spontaneous creativity, and it really showcases some of the best music Indonesia has to offer.

'Flashlight' by Precious Bloom

Aradea Barandana does not need an introduction. Renowned global as a record digger, Gilles Peterson once said when he visited Bali that his set was on of the best he'd heard in a decade. Together with Adinda, a singer-songwriter with such a unique and beautiful '80s sound that I rarely hear, Precious Bloom is a duo from Jakarta. 'Flashlight’ perfectly blends Euro-disco with Indonesian city pop, delivering a nostalgic vibe with its shimmering synths and dreamy vocals that feel both retro and fresh at the same time. 

'Aquarius' by Santamonica

With ethereal synths and captivating rhythms, 'Aquarius' evokes a sense of cosmic wanderlust and introspective exploration. Just like the name of the track!

'Damai' by Paquita Widjaja

From the first note, 'Damai' pulls you into a peaceful, almost nostalgic space. Paquita’s voice is soft but full of emotion, perfectly matching the song’s theme of finding inner peace which directly translates to the word "Damai". The lyrics really hit home, it's one of those tracks that feels personal.

'Transiver' by Raissa Febriani

What I love most about ‘Transiver’ is how it balances restraint with momentum. It doesn’t rush. It pulses and breathes, letting the rhythm unfold naturally. The distant, almost ghostly chimes and subtle gamelan-like elements create an atmosphere that feels ritualistic, like a secret ceremony happening somewhere just out of sight.

'Dub of The Sukma' by KIEF

Produced by great friends of mine from East Jakarta, Obi & Adit, this track blends dub, psychedelic, and electronic elements into a hypnotic track with a deep bassline and intricate synths. I'm a sucker for guitar riffs, this is 10/10!

'Don't Talk About Freedom' by The Gang of Harry Roesli

It’s a mix of rock and traditional Indonesian influences, along with its deep meaning, which makes it stand out. Its thought-provoking lyrics really opened my eyes to the deeper meaning behind freedom and the complexities surrounding it.

'Fazed 124' by Bagvs

Bagus Prayogo, hailing from Bandung, West Java, is my long time friend and, funnily enough, my current colleague. If I could describe him as an artist, it would be unapologetic. This track was released in 2020, I think right before Covid came through. When it starts to get repetitive, the track twists and offers a refreshing surprise - just when you think you've figured out the arrangement while dancing! 

'Stein's Way' by Jonathan Kusuma

Jonathan Kusuma, better known as Ojon, is someone who I truly look up to. Back then, he used to run a party in the Safehouse club called For Most Species, because it truly wasn't for everyone. Now, he’s running one of the best parties here in Indonesia, with the label and collective, Dekadenz. This track feels like it’s designed to move through spaces slowly, without ever losing its groove, yet remains intellectually engaging. Buzzing, ocean-cool pads bump into a catchy piano roll-on. It really gives me the chills and has aged like a fine wine.

'Seventh' by Direct Action

Brilliantly composed with a darker and more mysterious feel, this track slowly builds with tension and creates an immersive soundscape.