BNEWSID - A powerful display of solidarity filled the eastern side of Puputan Renon Field during Car Free Day (CFD) on Sunday morning (Dec 7), as Bali journalists, students, and renowned reggae musician Joni Agung united to raise donations for flood-hit communities in Sumatra.
Organized by Solidaritas Jurnalis Bali (SJB), the humanitarian action featured a public dialogue and an acoustic street-performance session that ran from 7:00 to 10:00 WITA. For three hours, Joni Agung performed 11 songs, including his well-known hit Ngalih Liang, as well as two of his latest singles, Sakit Hati and Melali ke Pantai. Between performances, he joined an open discussion on environmental awareness and humanitarian action.
The musician, whose real name is Anak Agung Junni Antara, said he was proud to be part of the initiative. He emphasized that contributing to social causes has long been his personal commitment.
“We have the Temanmu Foundation that often engages in support activities. I’m very happy to be invited to take part in this humanitarian effort,” said the Sanur-born artist.
He noted that musicians also carry a moral responsibility to their communities. “As musicians, we also have our own form of CSR. Our band often joins charity concerts. We’ve donated tens of millions, supported mass cremations, and even helped with temple repairs,” he added.
Joni also used the moment to stress the importance of protecting the environment, reflecting on the disasters occurring across Indonesia. “Trees must keep being planted, not just cut down. We must speak up about environmental damage. I hope the government can respond quickly, especially since many areas are isolated, as I’ve read in the news,” he said.
The fundraising event also featured musical performances by students from the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM) and several journalists who joined in singing.
Tri Widiyanti, Field Coordinator of the “Bali Peduli Sumatera” social movement, said the initiative arose from shared concern over the worsening flood situation in Sumatra. “This was a spontaneous action from SJB, and Joni Agung responded immediately. He was enthusiastic and agreed to perform without compensation. We hope this gesture can help ease the burden of our brothers and sisters in Sumatra,” she said.
Funds collected through the “Bali Peduli Sumatera” initiative will be distributed to AJI Medan and Lazizmu to support ongoing relief efforts for flood victims. (*)