Harry Roesli | Artist

Djauhar Zaharsjah Fachruddin Roesli aka Harry Roesli aka Harry Rusli, was an Indonesian rock musician born 1951 in Bandung, West Java. At a time of political and cultural oppression, Roesli was responsible for pioneering western influenced progressive music in Indonesia with consistent delivery of social and humanitarian messages. Born the youngest of Major General Roeshan Roesli's four children and the grandson of famous Indonesian writer Marah Roesli, Roesli was very much part of the establishment at a time when Indonesia's 'guided democracy' was under the firm hand of the military. During the early 70s, Harry formed a band called Gang of Harry Roesli with his friends, playing rock and blues. They later switched to acoustic and made a protest album inspired by Bob Dylan. He also established Ken Arok theatrical group in 1973, conducting performances including Ken Arok Opera, the first ever Indonesian rock opera, supported by members of the band Giant Step. Harry was then granted a scholarship by Cultuur, Recreatie en Maatschapelijk Werk, to study in Rotterdam Conservatorium, Netherland. To support his life while studying he played piano at Indonesian restaurants. He achieved a PhD in Music (1981) and then lectured at the department of music at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and Universitas Pasundan Bandung. Roesli also actively participated in the development of street performers and the poor, even dedicating his house as meeting point. There he established Depot Kreasi Seni Bandung (DKSB) to educate street performers to improve their lives through music. He and DKSB undertook activities and programs which focussed on improving government social policy. His song Jangan Menangis Indonesia (Don't Cry Indonesia) taken from LTO album has been a heroic song that accompanied his social protest to the government. As a recording artist, Roesli released 23 studio albums over the course of his career, including solo works and group projects with his bands Harry Roesli and The Philosophy Gang, Harry Roesli dan Vocal Group Kharisma, and Harry Roesli dan DKSB Band. Many albums were initially released on cassette, then later pressed on vinyl. Standout albums include Titik Api (1976), Ken Arok (1977), Tiga Bendera (1977), and LTO (1978). On 17 August 2001, Roesli performed a satirized version of the patriotic song "Garuda Pancasila", changing the lyrics to say that he was tired of the lack of reform in the period following the fall of Suharto. The performance, held during independence day celebrations, led to him being questioned by police and charged with expressing hatred and hostility toward the Indonesian government, a crime under the Criminal Code. Luckily, and presumably thanks to his family connections, the charges were dropped. Roesli died of natural causes on 11 December 2004, at the age of 53. Among the attendees of his viewing in Menteng, Central Jakarta were former head of the armed forces General Wiranto. By the time of his death Roesli had helped over 36,000 street children.

Artist Website: discogs.com/Harry-Roesli

Featured Albums: Harry Roesli

Related Artists: Giant Step, Harry Roesli Gang, Harry Rusli