The Phenomenon of Artists Receiving Hundreds of Millions, Positive Appreciation or a Form of Harassment?

Kapanlagi.com - The phenomenon of artists receiving money has once again become a hot topic after Nathalie Holscher showcased her earnings from such practices, reaching hundreds of millions of rupiah. The practice of giving money directly to artists during their performances has actually existed for a long time in Indonesian culture. However, recently, this phenomenon has become increasingly controversial with ever more fantastic amounts and a wider variety of platforms.

While some consider the practice of giving money to be a form of positive appreciation, many criticize this practice as it is seen as degrading to the dignity of artists. In fact, several artists have expressed their discomfort with the practice of receiving money, which is sometimes accompanied by harassment. So, what are the cultural roots and developments of this phenomenon of artists receiving money?

1. The Roots of Saweran Tradition in Indonesian Culture

Saweran is deeply rooted in the tradition of Indonesian folk art. The term "sawer" itself comes from the Sundanese language, meaning to give or sprinkle money. In traditional performances such as tayub in Central Java, lengger in Banyumas, or ronggeng in West Java, the audience typically gives money to the dancers as a form of direct appreciation for their performances.

Traditionally, saweran has the meaning of being a form of appreciation and economic support for artists. In a cultural context, saweran also becomes a symbol of direct interaction between artists and art enthusiasts. This practice is carried out by slipping money into the dancer's pocket, placing it on a tray, or even sticking it directly to the dancer's forehead.

In the dangdut stage, saweran becomes a more complex phenomenon. Dangdut artists often receive saweran in large amounts, especially at private events or nightclubs.

2. Negative Stigma Behind the Saweran Phenomenon

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Although financially beneficial, the practice of saweran is not free from negative stigma. Many consider saweran, especially when done by sticking money directly to the artist's body, as a form of veiled harassment. This stigma becomes stronger when saweran occurs in nightclubs or adult entertainment venues.

Criticism also comes from religious and cultural figures who believe that modern saweran practices have deviated from traditional values. They argue that saweran, which was originally a form of cultural appreciation, has transformed into a practice that tends to be exploitative and demeaning to the dignity of artists.

3. List of Artists with Fantastic Saweran

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Nathalie Holscher is not the only artist who receives saweran with fantastic amounts. Inul Daratista, an icon of Indonesian dangdut, once revealed that she could receive saweran worth tens of millions in one night of performance. Dewi Perssik is also known for frequently receiving large saweran, especially when performing at exclusive events.

Nella Kharisma & Inul Daratista, who are popular dangdut singers from East Java, also often receive large saweran from their fanatic fans. Similarly, Ayu Ting Ting has received saweran in the form of jewelry and large cash amounts. This phenomenon shows that the practice of saweran with large amounts has become a part of the dangdut entertainment industry ecosystem.

4. Mechanism of Sharing Tips

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A common question is how the tips are shared. According to several artists, the mechanism of sharing tips varies depending on agreements with management or the team. Some artists share the tips with the music team, background dancers, and stage crew at certain percentages.

In some cases, the main artist receives the largest portion, usually 50-70% of the total tips, while the remainder is shared with the supporting team. However, there are also artists who have different agreements where the entire amount of tips belongs to the artist personally, while the supporting team receives a fixed payment from management.

5. Psychological Impact of Tips on Artists

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Not all artists feel comfortable with the practice of receiving tips. Some female dangdut singers have expressed their discomfort when receiving tips, especially if done in an inappropriate manner. They feel compelled to accept it due to professional demands and audience expectations.

The psychological impact of this practice varies. For some artists, receiving tips can lead to feelings of being demeaned and objectified. However, for others, tips are seen as a form of appreciation and recognition of their talent.

6. Digital Saweran

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Along with the development of the times, the practice of saweran has undergone significant transformation. In the digital era, saweran is no longer limited to physical performances but has also expanded to online platforms. For example, on TikTok Live, viewers can give virtual "gifts" which are then converted into real money for content creators.

(kpl/ums)