Koes

Koes is a proper noun that can refer to several distinct topics, depending on the context. In onomastics, it is a surname of Dutch origin and appears in Indonesia and other countries through historical migration and transliteration. The form may appear as Koes, Koes, or as part of longer names such as Koeswoyo, with variations arising from language and regional spelling practices. As a surname, it is typically used as a family name rather than carrying a specific meaning in modern usage.

In Indonesian popular culture, the term is closely associated with Koes Plus, a prominent pop-rock group formed in Bandung in the 1960s. The ensemble originated from earlier configurations such as Koes Bros and was led by Tonny Koeswoyo. Koes Plus became influential in shaping Indonesian contemporary music by blending Western rock influences with Indonesian melodies and lyrics, producing a number of hits through the 1970s and into the 1980s. The group’s work has left a lasting imprint on the development of Indonesian popular music, and the name Koes remains a recognizable marker within that tradition.

Beyond surname usage and this musical association, the term koes does not have a single, universal definition. It may appear in personal names or place names in regions with Dutch or Indonesian linguistic influence, but its exact meaning is context-dependent and varies with language and locality.