The musical group from Kutai Kartanegara, Petala, has just solidified their presence in the national music industry by releasing their second album titled 'Puratanabhumi'. The album launch event was held festively at Taman Musik, Tenggarong District, on Friday night (10/7/2026).
The term 'Puratanabhumi' itself carries a philosophical meaning, namely 'Voice from the Ancient Land'. Band founder Achmad Fauzi explained that the title was chosen as a tribute to the cultural roots and diversity of the Kutai Kartanegara community, which is rich in noble traditions.
Containing 12 tracks, the album explores a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from romance to deep narratives about local traditions. Listeners can discover traces of traditional rituals such as Bepelas and the excitement of the Erau festival, packaged with modern musical arrangements while remaining firmly grounded in a strong regional identity.
Fauzi emphasized that Petala does not restrict themselves to a local audience segment. Through this work, they aim to introduce the exoticism of Kutai culture to a broader audience without losing the musical identity they have built over the past year.
The artistic approach applied in this album aims to prove that local wisdom remains relevant and captivating when packaged in a contemporary style. Petala hopes that the harmony of the 'Voice of the Ancient Land' can serve as a bridge for the wider public to better appreciate the cultural wealth of Kutai Kartanegara.
