National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo says he holds no grudges against Sukatani Band’s criticism on the police institution after the Purbalingga-based punk band apologized for the lyrics of their song "Bayar Bayar Bayar"(Pay Pay Pay) which offended the police.  

He emphasized that the National Police is not anti-criticism and accepts input as materials for evaluation. 

"In response to criticism, we certainly must be open-minded. The important thing is that there is improvement, and if there is something inappropriate, an explanation can be provided," the Police chief spoke to the media in Jakarta, on Friday, February 21, 2025. 

He said further that criticism is a trigger for his institution to continue to improve, emphasizing that the National Police is committed to improving itself by giving sanctions to members who violate and awards for those who excel. 

"In principle, the National Police continue to improve by giving punishment to members who violate and rewards to members who are good," he added. 

Regarding the apology conveyed by the Sukatani band, Listyo said there was perhaps miscommunication in this problem. 

"There is no problem. There may have been a mistake, but it has been corrected," he said. 

Previously, two members of Sukatani Band −Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti alias Alectroguy and Novi Citra Indriyati alias Twister Angel − apologized to the Chief of National Police and the Police institution for the lyrics of their song that mentioned payments to the police in various situations. 

Alectroguy said that the song was actually aimed at police officers who violated the rules. He also confirmed that the song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" has been removed from streaming platforms, and appealed to social media users to delete videos that use the song. 

"With this, I appeal to all social media users who already have our song to delete and withdraw all videos that use the song. Otherwise, should there be a risk in the future, it is not our responsibility," Alectroguy said.

The statement immediately drew various reactions from the public, who considered the police to have silenced freedom of expression.