UNAIR NEWS – Young singer Farel Prayoga’s performance on the hit song ‘Ojo Dibandingke’ at the Merdeka Palace on 77th Indonesian Independence Day captured national attention. As stated by Universitas Airlangga Faculty of Humanities (FIB) lecturer, Kukuh Yudha Karnanta SS MA, there seems to be a shift in the public’s musical taste.

“Dangdut music in Javanese was initially enjoyed by the working class in rural and suburban areas. Now, it is presented in front of the upper classes and the government, on a formal occasion of a state ceremony, and it’s highly appreciated,” said Kukuh.

It is proven by the number of people who dance. For Kukuh, the proclamation commemoration ceremony was once considered a sacred, solemn, and touching event. Now, it shifts to a fun and merry one which lets people dance.

“Independence is no longer a matter of a national movement. It can be a joyful dance event as well,” said the winner of Best Film Critic at the 2021 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI).

One of the determining factors in the musical taste shift is that dangdut is not limited to Malay and Indonesian lyrics, it covers the campursari rhythm and Mataraman Javanese as well. However, the local culture can be accepted at the national level.

Nowadays, children’s song production may not be as popular as in the ‘80s and ‘90s. However, everyone has a filter and preference on artworks or songs for them to listen to and get accepted in public spaces.

“Media and art literacy education is a necessity to accelerate the filter’s capabilities. The ‘Farel phenomenon’ can be a momentum for all parties to think about music and media as educational tools for children,” he said.

Author: Viradyah Lulut Santosa

Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia