The Viral Phenomenon of Mberot, Inspired by Regional Art - Becoming a Trend among Young People during Concerts

Kapanlagi.com - Lately, the term Mberot has been trending on several social media platforms. This term is often seen when young people are watching music concerts. Some videos containing this term have gone viral, receiving thousands of likes, views, and comments from netizens.

This article discusses in detail how the term Mberot became viral, the meaning of the word mberot itself, and an explanation about the bantengan art that is considered one of the references for this trend. KLovers, read this article until the end for those of you who are FOMO and curious about Mberot.

1. Meaning of the Word Mberot

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For KLovers who don't know, the meaning of the term Mberot itself comes from the East Javanese language which describes anger or rebellion. Extraordinary power like an angry and rebellious bull or cow is symbolized in this term.

2. Bantengan Art in Malang

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In the Bantengan Art that is often held in Malang, East Java, there is a strong term attached to it, namely Mberot. Bantengan, an art that presents a replica of a bull's head held by a dancer, has a unique and mystical attraction.

In its performance, this art shows two people who become the front and back legs of the bull. Well, the figure holding the replica of the bull's head is often referred to as Mberot. Mberot refers to the condition where the player holding the replica of the bull's head can 'go mad' or attack people around him.

Bantengan is not just entertainment in events such as carnivals, circumcisions, weddings, or festivals in East Java, or specifically more often seen in the Malang area (Malang City, Malang Regency, Batu City). This art has deep sacred meanings.

Believed to be a means of warding off disasters, honoring ancestors, and as an effort to preserve traditional cultural art, Bantengan is a valuable heritage that not only entertains but also holds rich cultural values.

The appearance in Bantengan art is very distinctive. The players wear black costumes complete with a mask in the shape of a bull's head, which is generally made of wood. This bull's head is also equipped with buffalo or bull horns, adding authenticity to every performance.

3. Mberot in the Joy of Bantengan Malang

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During the performance, the Bantengan dance is accompanied by typical music such as gamelan, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere. Interestingly, a Bantengan performance is considered successful if the player who plays the role of the bull's head experiences possession, or in the local term, Mberot.

This success is often marked by the player who holds the replica of the bull's head appearing possessed or 'mberot', making this art even more captivating in the eyes of the audience.

The mystery of Mberot in Bantengan is inseparable from the magical elements that continue to be felt to this day. Triggered by the presence of two elements, namely irengan (people in all-black costumes) and abangan (people in all-red costumes), this art still retains a spiritual aroma and unexpected miracles.

4. Viral at Music Concerts

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'Mberot' is not just a word, but part of the magic and uniqueness of Bantengan art that is rich in magical elements and deep meaning. So, the term 'mberot' is often used when young people are watching concerts, like someone who is rebelling.

One of the music groups that has made the term 'mberot' go viral is Fakedopp, a DJ and karaoke group that is currently popular among young people. The members remix songs that are often used in Bantengan art with a contemporary twist. Sometimes, they also appear more attractive by bringing replica cow/bull heads on stage.

One of the songs that is often used for 'mberot' is a song titled 'Santri Pekok'. The KapanLagi.com team discusses in detail the song that often circulates on TikTok's fyp below.

5. The Song 'Santri Pekok' that is Identical to 'Mberot'

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The song Santri Pekok was created by Arif Citenk. Actually, the lyrics of this song tell the story of a man's struggle to become a better person in order to win the heart of his beloved girl. The girl is a graduate of a Islamic boarding school.

This song went viral when it was performed by young dangdut singer Niken Salindry. Allegedly, this version of Santri Pekok by Niken was remixed by Fakedopp and several other DJ groups, making it viral on social media. Other famous dangdut singers like Happy Asmara and Nella Kharisma also performed this song. However, based on KapanLagi.com's observation, Niken's version received the most views.

6. Viral in Various Layers of Society

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Not only in music concerts, the term 'mberot' has now gone viral in various other social media content such as parody content and as marketing content for a product. Many clothing companies also produce shirts with images and this term.

Many children and adults in various regions of East Java and Central Java are discussing this term in their daily lives and when hanging out together.

(kpl/ums)