The saccharine world of Indonesian pop is being rocked by a new wave of underground bands that aren't afraid to take aim at the country's political elite ahead of July 8 presidential elections.

Grungy rockers with names like Skull and The Vandals eschew the usual radio fare of teary love songs in favour of hard-hitting political comment delivered with attitude.

"They're a segmented group and untouched by the media. They move underground, performing at bistros and sharing their opinions in newsletters," music commentator Denny Sakrie said.