The presence of street buskers is often regarded as a social nuisance, as the public frequently feels disturbed by their activities, especially when they move around traffic intersections or along the roadside. However, we aim to show that the group of buskers in the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta possesses distinctive characteristics that make them part of the creative industry within the informal sector. This group of buskers belongs to the millennial generation, with an average age of under 35, and they are active social media users. Their uniqueness lies in the use of various musical instruments that are creatively crafted. Their performances are also different from other buskers because they have scheduled performance times, proper preparation, the use of costumes, and collaborations with traditional dancers. The group delivers performances featuring popular songs arranged in diverse variations without abandoning local cultural elements. They also utilize social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to promote culture and their business by offering their services to perform at various events. These aspects make the Malioboro buskers appear more professional and help change the public stigma surrounding street buskers. The differences and uniqueness demonstrated by the buskers in the Malioboro area show that this occupation represents a creative industry sector based on art and culture. This sector collaborates with the Yogyakarta Tourism Office, as there are permits and regulations that must be agreed upon between the buskers and the Tourism Office. The various forms of creativity expressed by the Malioboro busker group hold potential for the creative industry, which is expected to empower the millennial generation to realize a creative, productive, and high-quality golden generation by 2045.
Keywords: Busker Group Innovation, Creative Industry Organization, Social Media
Published: 2021-06-01