In a groundbreaking moment for Indonesian music, Voice of Baceprot, the all-female metal band known for their fusion of Islamic values and headbanging tunes, will take the stage at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in England this week. Hailing from the rural village of Garut in West Java, Widi Rahmawati (23), Firda Marsya Kurnia (24), and Euis Siti Aisyah (24) are set to become the first Indonesians to grace Glastonbury, sharing the limelight with global icons like Coldplay and Shania Twain.

Formed in 2014 at an Islamic school, Voice of Baceprot has not only captured international attention with their high-energy performances but has also challenged stereotypes about Muslim women. "Not only do we carry the Voice of Baceprot, but also our country," expressed Widi Rahmawati in an interview with Reuters, highlighting the band's role in representing Indonesia on the global stage.

Their journey to Glastonbury, however, has not been without obstacles. In their native village, metal music is often viewed as taboo, especially for women wearing hijabs like themselves. "In our village, metal is considered satanic — not suitable for women, let alone women in hijabs," Widi Rahmawati shared candidly, reflecting on the initial resistance they faced.

Beyond cultural barriers at home, Voice of Baceprot has also encountered misconceptions abroad. Vocalist and guitarist Firda Marsya Kurnia recounted instances where they were unfairly labeled as militants during a performance in the United States, highlighting the prejudices they aim to challenge through their music.

The band's music isn't just about breaking barriers; it's also about addressing social issues. Their lyrics often touch on themes of female empowerment and environmental conservation, providing a platform to amplify voices often unheard in their conservative surroundings.

Looking ahead, Voice of Baceprot plans to leverage their newfound global platform to continue their mission. Marsya revealed that they are already working on a new album and a powerful song titled "Mighty Island," which tackles corruption in Indonesia. They also aspire to foster a supportive community for aspiring musicians back in Garut, aiming to empower future generations through music.

As they prepare to make history at Glastonbury, Voice of Baceprot remains steadfast in their commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes, proving that music knows no boundaries — not cultural, not religious, and certainly not geographical.