WWF-Indonesia's golden anniversary "Golden Path of Love-Persembahan Cinta Untuk Bumi" (GPOL) performance is fast approaching. Pre-production preparations have reached the final stage. The show, which will be held on December 22-23, is said to feature more than 200 artists, performers, singers, models, and public figures. The stage action is not only a combination of acting and singing in a theatrical narrative about WWF-Indonesia's journey to carve its history in conservation actions for 50 years, but also filled with various performances that showcase the beauty of Indonesian cultural arts. The musical concept was created and directed by Viky Sianipar, a modern ethnic music artist who succeeded with the album "Toba Dream". He is also known for his expertise in organizing musical performances - especially with traditional Indonesian cultural themes - on a colossal scale.

On the sidelines of his vocal session at Studio Vsi in Manggarai, South Jakarta, this Batak man took the time to chat with Ciptanti Putri from WWF-Indonesia.

What is GPOL's music concept?

I don't make anything out of the box, I'm just being myself. Basically my music is very inspired by the Earth, by nature. So, when WWF invited me to do an event for the Earth, I was ready. That way I could be myself and it was fun. My music melted with the direction of Bang Rani (Rani Badri, Art Director GPOL) and the ethnic concept of Bang Raden (Raden Sirait, Fashion Director GPOL). Incidentally, we have worked together many times.

How is Viky Sianipar's music?

In my opinion, my music comes from my deepest heart so it can only be received with the heart, not with the brain or mind. What it's like, it's hard to explain. I take elements from mother earth. The ancients created music with inspiration from nature. The components of natural instruments, such as the flute and violin, when played together colossally create a feeling like the sound of the wind. I incorporate these natural components into the musical concept of the GPOL performance so that the audience will feel like they are in the middle of nature, not in a performance hall.

Is there any particular ethnic music being featured?

I will not specifically bring any ethnicity unless it is related to WWF-Indonesia's activities in certain areas. For example, conservation activities in Papua, then I will give the color of traditional Papuan music so that it seems as if the audience is in Papua. The same goes for other areas where WWF-Indonesia activities are held. For example, Edo Kondologit's duet with Jamaica Cafe who performed the song ""Yamko Rambe Yamko"", I automatically harmonized with typical Papuan music.

Are you familiar with WWF-Indonesia's activities?

Before this performance, frankly, I was not. Since the preparation and pre-production of the show, I have only known WWF-Indonesia because I often attend the presentation sessions of its programs. I am quite amazed that there is an organization that does something for animals, plants, and for the Earth in general. This is something that is often forgotten by many parties, including religious leaders who only discuss love for God and humans. Whereas without the Earth, humans would not exist. I got it in WWF-Indonesia's programs. WWF-Indonesia seems to remind people that the Earth is the most important element in life.

There is a growing 'green lifestyle'. What is your comment?

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think green lifestyle is a lifestyle that is close to the Earth. Not just in terms of plants, but the Earth as a whole. If you look at plants, there are now far fewer than humans. This reflects that the Earth's energy condition is now not balanced.

Are there any of your activities related to nature conservation?

Originally, I was just a young Jakartan who was used to the metropolis lifestyle. But because I chose to pursue the path of modern ethnic music, or world music, I often went to the regions to explore their traditional music. I found that their music came from local beliefs. I couldn't help but study those beliefs to understand the essence of the music, so as not to make mistakes when combining it with modern music. It turns out that 60% of the content of these beliefs are teachings about nature, because local music was originally created by the predecessors with references from the nature around them. I ended up composing and arranging while in nature. On Samosir Island, I have special places that inspire me. There was a tree or a rock on the shore of Lake Toba, and many more. Until one day those special places disappeared due to the economic activities of the local people. I was disappointed and angry, so I started campaigning for nature conservation. Through Toba Dream Community, which was formed from the success of Toba Dream 1, Toba Dream 2, Toba Dream 3 albums, we organized 3 visions, namely save the music, save the culture, save the nature. Our activities lasted from 2006-2009. However, I decided to stop campaigning because our movement was like trying to make sea water fresh. The challenge of the uncooperative community and local government was overwhelming. I felt like a helpless artist from Jakarta. Therefore, when I met WWF-Indonesia, I felt that I got new friends, new spirit, and strong support to get back to nature conservation. I am now ready.

What are your hopes for WWF-Indonesia?

I hope WWF-Indonesia is not complacent with its achievements over the past 50 years, but continues to introspect and evaluate each of its programs. The parameter is, is the condition of the Indonesian Earth getting better or worse after 50 years of activity? We must continue to review its activities, whether they are effective enough in the mission and vision of preserving Indonesia's nature.

Lastly, why should the public attend the GPOL performance, December 22-23, 2012?

This is a unique show. There have been many good shows held this year. But one thing that is different is that we in the total show production team are working with love. Love for the Earth. We were not gathered by chance. We are people who have concern and anxiety for this Earth, our mother. The energy of our love for mother earth meets and gathers here, and we work from the heart, not the mind. The result is definitely different.

Interested in watching this colossal art performance? Get your tickets by calling WWF-Indonesia's Contact Center at 021-5761076 during business days and hours, or by purchasing online at wwfindonesia.multiply.com.

For more information about this event, please visit www.wwf.or.id/50.