Grounded cosmopolitanism and the East Javanese extreme metal scenes

Background / Context:
Indonesia’s extreme metal scenes have developed distinct regional identities. The Ujung Berung scene in Bandung, emerging in the 1990s and centred on death metal, is widely regarded as the country’s most influential. By contrast, the Surabaya scene in East Java has traditionally been associated with power metal and black metal.

Aim / Objective:
This study examines how scene cohesion and cross-cultural solidarity are produced within the Surabaya and other East Javanese metal scenes.

Methods:
Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, including interviews and participant-observation, the study applies the concept of grounded cosmopolitanism to analyse everyday practices of inclusion and collaboration.

Results / Key Findings:
The findings show that members of the power metal band Valerian, largely of Chinese Christian background, have played a key role in fostering unity across stylistic, ethnic, and religious differences. Their activities include interfaith gestures such as distributing gift parcels during Ramadan, building sustained relationships with musicians from Islamic metal bands such as Tengkorak, and supporting emerging scenes in neighbouring regions such as Madura Island.

Conclusions / Implications:
The study demonstrates how grounded cosmopolitanism is enacted through locally embedded scene practices, highlighting the role of cultural labour and ethical commitment in sustaining inclusive metal communities.