Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The BBC has unveiled its list of 100 Women of 2024, spotlighting inspirational and influential women from around the globe. Among the honorees is Indonesian singer Firda Marsya Kurnia, the vocalist and guitarist of the all-female metal band Voice of Baceprot (VoB).
Marsya is the sole representative from Indonesia on this year’s list. As part of VoB, a heavy metal trio from Garut, West Java, she performs alongside bassist Widi Rahmawati and drummer Euis Siti Aisyah.
The band, notable for its members’ hijab-wearing appearance, has grown significantly since forming a decade ago at a local school in Garut. This year, they achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Indonesian band to perform at the renowned Glastonbury Festival in its 54-year history.
The BBC 100 Women was an annual list to honor inspiring and influential women from all over the world. It categorizes honorees into five areas of contribution: Entertainment and Sport, Climate Pioneers, Culture and Education, Politics and Law, and Science, Health, and Technology. Marsya was recognized in the Entertainment and Sport category.
In its profile of Marsya, BBC praised her and VoB for their perseverance in the face of numerous challenges, describing her as a trailblazer. “Challenging gender and religious norms is nothing new for Firda Marsya Kurnia, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Voice of Baceprot, an all-female heavy metal band where the members wear hijabs,” the BBC noted.
Overcoming Adversity
The journey for VoB has not been without obstacles. The band which began during the members’ middle school years, often facing opposition from their school and community due to their musical pursuits. Thus the band continuous to hold firm and believed on their faith for their passion.
Marsya shared her voices, says “Being the first often invites arguments and doubts, accompanied by whispers in the back of your mind questioning whether you’re on the right path. Yet, in a world that’s constantly evolving, women who dare to begin and to fight become beacons.”
“Reminders that true change begins with the courage to declare, ‘I was not created to follow blindly or bow to injustice, fear, or rules that shackle my freedom. I was created to weave dreams, to say ‘No’ or ‘Yes’ to whatever I choose,” Marsya says in the official Voice of Baceprot (VoB) Instagram post after getting named for the BBC 100 Women, on December 4.
Celebrating Women’s Resilience
The BBC emphasized the resilience women have shown in the face of global challenges this year. The 100 Women initiative recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary efforts women undertake to push for progress in an ever-changing world.
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Firda Marsya Kurnia joins a distinguished lineup of global icons on the 2024 list, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, activist and rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot, actress Sharon Stone, Olympians Rebeca Andrade and Allyson Felix, singer Raye, visual artist Tracey Emin, climate activist Adenike Oladosu, and author Cristina Rivera Garza.
The BBC 100 Women project highlights the remarkable contributions of women who drive change and inspire others in the face of adversity, making this year’s celebration a testament to their enduring impact.
(Raidi/Agung)
