Michael Jakarimilena, former Indonesian Idol finalist and current film star and musician, was not expecting a celebrity welcome when he arrived at School on Wednesday 24th August. However, from the moment the musician got out of the car, he was mobbed by students eager for a brush with fame.
“You’re Michael J! You’re famous! Selamat siang! Apa kabar?” bellowed a group of Year 7 boys, running over to get close to Michael and his famous dreadlocks.
“Wow”, said Michael. “I wasn’t expecting a greeting like that in Australia.”
The Papuan born musician could be forgiven if he felt a little nervous, performing to a foreign audience; however, it quickly became evident that music (and celebrity charisma) crosses boundaries of language and culture. A group of rather star-struck Middle School students joined Michael on stage for two of the songs, but were nearly drowned out by the audience! The voices of around 650 Middle and Senior School students from PMACS and Quinns Baptist College nearly lifted the roof off the Alan Shaw Centre, as they joined in with songs such as Raya Indonesia, Sempurna, Happy, Kebyar-kebyar, Three Little Birds and Laskar Pelangi. When Michael came off stage to sing with a few lucky students in the audience, the crowd went wild.
All term, a number of songs have been worked into class programs from Years 7-12, covering a range of linguistic and cultural points. One of the most important themes was the concept of unity in diversity: building understanding between and across ethnicities, languages, religions and cultures. The theme rang true for students in relation to our own multicultural society, and when Michael changed the lyrics of Salam 3 Jari to ‘persatuan Australia’, the raised voices singing along seemed to agree whole-heartedly.
“I really love the concert… it was fun and joyful and gave me wonder and delight in the Indonesian songs”, one Year 7 said. “Michael J was very exciting and talented. I hope he can come back,” stated another.
Accompanied by guitarist Toni Brillyanto, Michael was brought to Australia by the joint efforts of the Balai Bahasa Indonesia Perth and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to build relationships and understanding between the two countries.