When Indonesian designer, art director, DJ, and producer Harry Septiandry—also known as Munir and Midnight Runners—was just seven years old, a life-changing moment set him on his unique musical path. His uncle handed him a copy of Positive Force’s We Got the Funk, sparking a passion for crate-digging that’s never faded. Since then, Munir has dedicated himself to uncovering the hidden gems of Indonesia’s most eclectic era of popular music, bringing rare sounds to curious listeners worldwide. Much of this music, once confined to old cassettes or hard-to-find vinyl, has been revived thanks to his relentless efforts.
“I’ve been traveling around Indonesia collecting music since junior high,” Munir recalls. “Over time, I learned how to identify rare records and the distinctive sounds of disco, boogie, and synthpop that evoke a special feeling from that era.”
Munir’s passion focuses on a vibrant period in Indonesian music history that blossomed post-independence in 1945. Initially flourishing, this scene faced challenges when Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, attempted to curb Western influences, even imprisoning musicians like Koes Plus for performing rock and roll. In a bid to promote local culture, record labels began producing contemporary songs rooted in traditional sounds, which quickly gained popularity. However, things changed dramatically in 1967 when President Suharto came into power, ushering in a new era that embraced Western pop culture. This shift allowed Indonesian artists to experiment more freely, and the country began to explore electronic genres and Japanese-made instruments.
Despite these changes, owning and accessing local vinyl records remained a luxury. “It was rare for local DJs to play Indonesian disco music,” Munir explains. “Even if they did, it was usually only the well-known hits. This rarity made me even more determined to keep digging and make these hidden gems more accessible.”
This passion led Munir to create Tanamur City – Indonesian AOR, City Pop, and Boogie – 1979 to 1991, a compilation released on Cultures of Soul. Named after Jakarta’s first discotheque, Tanamur, a hotspot that once attracted celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Chuck Norris, the compilation is a treasure trove of tracks with an ’80s city pop vibe, reflecting the influence of Japanese instruments that became popular in Indonesia.
Munir’s dedication to reviving forgotten music is evident in his various projects, such as the Nusantara Disco edits and the Asia/Africa Edits, both of which reimagine old tracks into fresh, new sounds. His latest original work, the Komputer EP, showcases a modern take on mid-tempo electronic production, blending funky bass lines, soft synths, and dub breaks, staying true to the Midnight Runners’ style.
Looking ahead, Munir remains committed to digging deeper into Indonesia’s rich musical past, driven by a love for music that never quite got its due. “Instead of always chasing the next big thing, why not use the wealth of inspiration we already have?” he suggests.
Spotlight on Indonesian Disco Releases:
Perky Club, Perky Edits Discotheque Series 1
Jakarta’s Perky Club drops a five-track EP of cheeky disco remixes. Highlights include Merdi’s twist on ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)” and KIMOJI’s rework of The Mike Theodore Orchestra’s “Wonder Man.”
Fariz RM, Sakura
Fariz RM’s 1980 hit album Sakura fuses Japanese instruments with a city-pop sensibility, featuring the boogie-funk classic “Selangkah Keseberang,” popularized by Indonesian bands like White Shoes & The Couples Company.
White Shoes & The Couples Company, “Senandung Maaf”
This Indonesian pop band blends jazz and disco, with “Senandung Maaf” delivering smooth melodies, groovy basslines, and rhythmic guitar, putting a sophisticated spin on Indonesian disco.
Dea, Canine Carnival
Dea Barandana’s Canine Carnival EP, released on Sound Metaphor’s sub-label Bless You, is a cosmic disco delight with tropical, percussive rhythms, perfect for a dance floor revival.
Zodiac Music, The Unforgotten Edits 002
Featuring tracks by Japanese DJ MUTO and Jakartan artist Circus Return, this EP brings funky Italo-disco-inspired vibes, including “Mysterious Girl,” a bassline banger, and “Remember Forever,” a Studio 54-style classic.
Dara Puspita, The Garage Years LP
This all-female rock band from the ’60s and ’70s mixed disco with jangly rock, creating lively tracks that resonated with the youth. Their album The Garage Years LP captures the spirit of Indonesia’s disco era.
