A lecturer from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FISIPOL UGM), Oki Rahadianto Sutopo, together with Pam Nilan and Wiwik Sushartami, has published a new international journal article titled “Contextualising the Subculture/Post-Subculture Debate: Young Indonesian Musicians Navigating Careers in the Digital Era.” The study explores the experiences of young Indonesian musicians in building identity and careers amid the increasingly complex digital transformation.
The research engages with long-standing debates in youth culture studies on subculture and post-subculture, traditionally dominated by Euro-American perspectives. While classical subculture theory emphasizes relatively stable collective identities, the post-subculture approach views youth identity as fluid, fragmented, and shaped by cultural consumption. This study fills a gap by presenting perspectives from the Global South, particularly Indonesia, with its unique socio-economic conditions and digital inequalities.
Findings reveal that young Indonesian musicians face intense industry competition while needing to manage artistic identity and entrepreneurial practices within digital ecosystems dominated by platforms. They employ creative strategies to gain visibility, build networks, and sustain their careers. These practices show that subcultural identities have not disappeared but have transformed into more flexible and contextual forms.
The study highlights new insights into the relevance and limitations of the subculture/post-subculture debate in the digital era. In the context of sustainable development, the research aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening the creative economy sector and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing disparities in access and opportunities within the global digital ecosystem. The study contributes to cultural sociology, youth studies, and the promotion of an inclusive creative industry in Indonesia.