BISNISTIME.COM, JAKARTA – Wednesday May 21,2025 The recent live performance of Barong's Band Millennial at the Jakarta Art Building (GKJ) on May 9, 2025, became an unexpected reunion hub for Indonesia's senior artists and musicians. The event saw the attendance of prominent figures like Christine Hakim, Slamet Rahardjo, Setiawan Djodi, Eros Djarot, Keenan Nasution, Candra Darusman, Marini Sardi, and many other artists and cultural figures.

The band, originally formed by Eros Djarot in the 1970s, not only attracted veteran artists but also drew the attention of Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi, DPR member and former Jakarta Governor Djarot S. Hidayat, DPR member and singer Once Mekel, intellectual Hamid Basyaib, education observer Ki Dharmaningtyas, and hundreds of other attendees from various backgrounds.

The band's comeback, having last performed at Taman Ismail Marzuki in 1975, is considered a remarkable feat. While the lineup features talented young musicians, now known as Barong's Band Millennial, the spirit of the original band lives on.

Viva Yoga, who watched the entire performance, expressed his appreciation. "I've known Mas Eros for a long time, not only as a friend in politics but also sharing a love for music and art," he said. "It's our friendship and admiration for Mas Eros's work that brought me to GKJ."

He further noted that Barong's Band's resurgence demonstrates Eros's unwavering passion for the arts, despite his involvement in politics, the press, and his age. "Mas Eros possesses so much talent, potential, and spirit," Viva Yoga remarked.

During the performance, Eros not only sang and played instruments but also conveyed messages about democracy, nationalism, anti-corruption, and religious ethics. "Mas Eros emphasized the importance of honesty in our daily lives," added Viva Yoga.

Viva Yoga also praised Eros's collaboration with the younger generation, highlighting the necessity of regeneration in all aspects of life. The inclusion of young musicians aims to introduce Gen-Z to the popular songs of the 1970s and 1980s. "Once Mekel's rendition of Mas Eros's songs like 'Selamat Tinggal Kekasih' and 'Pelangi' was excellent, making these classic songs feel timeless," he stated.

He hopes that Eros's tireless dedication to the arts will inspire other artists. "It takes diligence and patience to create monumental works," he concluded.