Syafiq Nunukan's Struggle for Dangdut Academy 8, A Journey of 3 Days and 2 Nights from the Border

Kapanlagi.com - An extraordinary struggle is shown by Muhammad Syafiq in pursuit of his dream to become a dangdut singer. The Dangdut Academy 8 contestant from Nunukan, North Kalimantan, had to undertake a long journey of three days and two nights from Sebatik Island to Jakarta.

Syafiq is one of the contestants who passed to the Final Audition of Group 4. Coming from Sebatik Island, which is located at the Indonesia-Malaysia border, he admitted that he had to go through various modes of transportation before finally arriving in the capital.

"I happen to be from Sebatik Island, which is a border island between Indonesia and Malaysia, friends. So we had to cross the sea first for 3 days and 2 nights, then take a car for 2 hours to Makassar, and then fly again to Jakarta. So it was a bit, not a bit but really complicated," said Muhammad Syafiq when met at Studio 5 Emtek City, West Jakarta, Friday (3/7/2026).

1. The Purpose of Joining Dangdut Academy 8

Syafiq Nunukan © KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

For Syafiq, participating in Dangdut Academy 8 is not just about chasing the champion title. He wants to deepen his musical abilities while honing the singing talent he has had since childhood.

"Of course, I want to learn a lot and also develop my interest and talent since childhood, which is singing and playing music," he said.

2. Once Doubtful About Receiving the Call

Syafiq also admitted that he was once doubtful when he was first contacted by Indosiar. He even thought that the call was not from an official account before finally confirming that he really did get the chance to audition.

"When I received the first audition call, I was surprised because I suddenly got a call from Indosiar asking me to go to Jakarta. I thought it wasn't an official account, but it turned out, thank God, it was a blessing," he said.

"So I went to Indosiar and for the first time participated in the audition with the judges, Soimah, Mami Dewi Perssik, and also Kak Wiki Karmila," he added.

3. Support from Hometown

The support from his hometown is also very significant. The residents of Pulau Sebatik enthusiastically provided encouragement through social media and even organized watch parties for his performance.

"I saw yesterday that there were quite a few friends, thank God, because many were posting on social media and also organizing watch parties at several locations in Pulau Sebatik," concluded Syafiq.

(kpl/rsp)