Sound Horeg, The Boom That Becomes the Breath of Entertainment as Well as the Economy of the People of Blitar

Kapanlagi.com - Amid the clamor of digital trends, Blitar has maintained a unique form of entertainment known as sound horeg. This phenomenon is not just a music performance with a high-volume sound system and DJ accompaniment, but has become part of the cultural identity of the Blitar community. It has even become a symbol of prestige among villages.

In 2018, each village in Blitar competed to present the most festive sound horeg performances. It’s not just about the loudness and size of the sound, but also about which DJ performs.

The DJs and the dancing girls become the stars, supported by a simple stage in an open field and an entrance ticket costing only Rp5,000 - Rp10,000. But don’t be mistaken, the enthusiasm of the residents is extraordinary.

1. Create Competition

Hundreds of people flock to watch, dance, and relieve their stress. There is a sense of pride when the village successfully holds the most festive event among other villages, creating competition that actually builds community and fosters creativity.

This show initially took place in a fairly controlled area such as the village square, but later began to spill over into the streets and residential areas. This is where waves of pros and cons began to emerge.

Some residents enjoy it as entertainment, but many are disturbed by the noise to the point of causing damage. In response to these concerns, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of East Java even issued a fatwa.

2. Supported by the Regent

(Credit: instagram.com/brewogaudio)

The fatwa states that loud sound systems can be considered haram if used excessively or cause wrongdoing. The fatwa suggests that the use of large sound systems for entertainment should be limited and not conducted outside of appropriate times.

However, the voice of the Blitar community brings a new perspective to this debate. The Regent of Blitar views the sound system phenomenon from a different angle. He believes that this activity actually has the potential to be a driving force for the people's economy.

In an interview, he stated that the loud sound systems will not be banned, but rather facilitated to be more orderly. The Blitar Regency government has even issued a special circular and designed an official sound system festival that will feature sound system and DJ competitions. This event is expected to provide a safe and productive space for local entertainment practitioners, as well as avoid potential conflicts on the ground.

3. Collaborated with Scholars

Interestingly, sound horeg has also entered the religious realm. Gus Iqdam, a young religious figure who is very popular in Blitar, collaborates with sound horeg practitioners. The gathering was opened with the booming electronic beats typical of an EDM concert, which was enthusiastically welcomed by thousands of attendees.

This format certainly invites controversy, and the East Java Ulema Council (MUI) has labeled it as something 'inappropriate', although they did not declare it haram. This phenomenon shows how flexible sound horeg is in adapting to the social context of society, from entertainment to spiritual spaces.

In the local scope, several 'horeg artists' from Blitar have begun to attract attention and become icons of the community. Although they are not yet nationally recognized, their presence is highly anticipated at every village event or large events such as the Independence Day celebrations and village carnivals.

4. Economic Driver

(Credit: instagram.com/brewogaudio)

For example, the celebration event of Blitar's Anniversary or the traveling night market often features a horeg stage as the main attraction. Many residents even come from outside the city just to experience the unique atmosphere of Blitar.

So why is the horeg sound so beloved by the people of Blitar? The answer may be complex. Some residents see it as a form of escape from the exhausting daily routine and difficult economic pressures.

On the other hand, the horeg sound also opens up business opportunities for residents. From sound rentals, DJ services, street vendors, to parking services. So it’s no wonder that for some residents, horeg is not just entertainment, but a real economic wheel.

5. Entertainment Culture

This phenomenon showcases another side of entertainment culture in Indonesia. While some urban communities are busy hunting for expensive concert tickets in big cities, the people of Blitar are creating their own entertainment world, in a simple yet passionate way.

The horeg sound may not be for everyone, but for the people of Blitar, it is the heartbeat of life, loud as the bass thump that never stops vibrating from one village to another.

(kpl/tdr)