Dangdut, the Indonesian Salsa

The moment you leave the air of the Soekarno Hatta airport in Jakarta, you’re greeted by a unique mix of tropical heat, the aroma of metropolis city pollution and the tunes of the latest Indonesian pop classic and dangdut music blaring away from the aggressive taxi rank awaiting you outside the terminal.

Dangdut, the closest thing Indonesia has produced to the salsa.
Is a very popular dance music originally from Indonesia and has spread to neighboring countries such as Malaysia and some parts of the Philippines. The music is lively and has musical influences from different cultures namely Indian, Arabic and of course, Malay. The word “dangdut” is thought to have originated from the dang-dang-dut-dut sound that comes by sound of gendang (small two drums like as bongo) or from the Indian drum “tabla” which gives the music its heartbeat. The rhythm of Dangdut is “shake a body right and left”. The lyrics given to the music are often blatant in issues such as life sufferings, love betrayals, and discontentment towards the political powers that be.

Dangdut’s audience comes mostly from Indonesia’s fervent Muslim youth, in particular the lower and lower-middle classes. And dangdut gives these people a voice, expresses their resentment at the inequalities of life in Indonesia today.

Some folks are fast to give dangdut music a turn of the nose because the music is usually considered old-fashioned, “kampungan” and un-cool. Others are turned off simply by the music’s typically coarse lyrics, underlying political messages and the sexual innuendos suggested by the erotic gyrating that is the signature of dangdut dancing.

Though western pop arrived in Indonesia long ago and is the dominant force, most Indonesian young people still have a healthy smattering of dangdut music in their collection and in their minds. Up to now, in Indonesia, many open-air concerts are held very often and full of more 10.000 audience...