Dangdut Koplo Noise Trend and the Post-Pandemic Generation

Dangdut koplo with digital instrument overlays almost always tops the TikTok charts in Indonesia. In the first week of March, the songs “Hands Crossed” by Adryan Lihayan and “Loca Loca” by DJ Lagu entered the top 10 on Tokchart.com.

Both are dangdut Koplo songs with fast drum beats that blend electro music with dangdut. Music like this is favoured by the post-pandemic generation, who are still in school, to liven up the atmosphere in school or as background music for the TikTok content they create.

Dangdut: The Music of the Underclass

Dangdut music, often dubbed as the music of the people or the lower-middle class, holds a unique place in Indonesian culture. It’s the rhythm of the streets, the soundtrack of everyday life for many. With its roots deep in the working-class communities, dangdut offers an escape, a respite from the struggles of daily life.

In Andrew N Weintraub’s exploration, ‘Dangdut Stories: A Social and Musical History of Indonesia’s Most Popular Music,’ we see how dangdut has transcended its origins to become a commercial commodity.

From feature films to tabloids, television shows to mobile phone ringtones, dangdut’s influence is pervasive. Even Indonesia’s educational television channel, TPI (Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia), has embraced the genre, amplifying its reach and impact.