TULUNGAGUNG – The Swaraja music performance is giving teenagers in Tulungagung a new way to express their thoughts and emotions through art. The performance was initiated by Frilian Tri Ardhiantara, an 18-year-old who wants to highlight voices that often go unheard in school life.
Frilian grew up in Sanggrahan Kidul Hamlet, Sanggrahan Village, in Boyolangu. He began thinking about the project after noticing that many students rarely have a space to share their concerns or ideas.
The idea started with a simple question that kept returning to him: are students truly heard? To explore this issue, Frilian interviewed several student representatives from junior and senior high schools across Tulungagung.
The conversations revealed many concerns. Some students said their extracurricular activities lacked support. Others spoke about friendship problems that sometimes left them feeling isolated at school.
Those stories inspired Frilian to turn student experiences into a stage performance. Instead of a regular concert, he designed a musical composition that blends storytelling with sound.
He named the project SWARAJA, short for Swara Remaja, which means “Youth Voices.” Through this performance, Frilian wants to create a space where teenagers can share ideas, feelings, and personal experiences.
“Teenagers have many stories and strong potential, but they do not always have space to express them,” Frilian said. “I imagine SWARAJA as a place where young voices can be heard and appreciated.”
During the creative process, he first chose a theme about the dynamics of teenage life. Next, he arranged the storyline like a drama. After that, he structured the music from the opening section to the conflict and the closing.
The composition blends modern music with traditional Indonesian sounds. Frilian added elements of gamelan to create a richer and more dynamic atmosphere.
Several scenes reflect everyday student life. The performance portrays simple moments such as waking up in the morning, traveling to school, and sitting in a noisy classroom.
Frilian also included a familiar classroom habit known as klothekan. Students often tap desks or chairs to create rhythms during class. He turned that spontaneous sound into part of the musical arrangement.
“I want the audience to feel the emotions of school life,” he said. “So the performance presents not only music, but also the atmosphere students experience every day.”
The show also highlights traditional arts from Tulungagung. Frilian incorporated elements from Reog Kendhang, Jaranan Sentherewe, and Kentrungan.
By blending modern composition with local traditions, Frilian hopes the performance will feel contemporary while still honoring the region’s cultural roots.
Through the Swaraja music performance, he hopes audiences will listen more closely to the voices and experiences of young people.