Success of Open Mic Merdeka 2024 Invites Laughter from Audience

Kapanlagi.com - Merdeka.com is once again holding the Open Mic Merdeka Session Two event. This time, the theme is 'Versatile Officials' and it is held on the 8th floor of SCTV Tower, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (29/5). Open Mic Merdeka Session Two was attended by representatives of officials from three regencies/cities.

Among them are Regent of Trenggalek, Mochamad Nur Arifin, Expert Staff for Development, Community, and Human Resources of Bontang City, East Kalimantan, Asdar Ibrahim, representing the Mayor of Bontang, Basri Rase, and the Acting Official of the Information and Communication Office of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Zainul Effendi Joesoef, who replaced the Vice Regent, Rendi Solihin.

Three regional officials showcased their abilities as solo comedians on stage. The first act was performed by the Regent of Trenggalek, Mochamad Nur Arifin. The Regent, who is affectionately called Gus Ipin, shared his funny experiences when he was still serving as the Vice Regent and Regent.

“It was sad when I was the Vice Regent, being a Vice is considered a KW (knock-off) Regent. Now I am the original Regent,” said Gus Ipin, who had previously served as the Vice Regent of Trenggalek, accompanying Emil Dardak.

Once, there was a Scout event in Trenggalek. Gus Ipin wore a complete Scout uniform. Upon arriving at the event location, Gus Ipin was immediately approached by the committee.

“I was told to run because the event was about to start. So I obediently ran and met Pakde Karwo (the Governor of East Java at that time). When asked why I ran, I said it was because the event had started. Pakde Karwo said, it was the students who were told to run. So I was mistaken for a student,” said Gus Ipin, greeted with laughter.

1. Unique Experience

Open Mic Merdeka: Merdeka.com/Imam Buhori

In his performance, he shared unique experiences during his tenure in government as Deputy Regent and Regent. Not only that, Gus Ipin also expressed his feelings as the youngest regional leader in Indonesia.

As a result, Gus Ipin's performance successfully invited laughter from the pre-audience. He even made sarcastic jokes about the culture of officials in the country.

After that, the show continued with Asdar Ibrahim, Expert Staff in the Field of Development, Community, and Human Resources of Bontang City, East Kalimantan. In his act, Asdar mentioned the theme of 'Versatile Officials' which he felt was very suitable to be applied to himself.

2. Sacred Numbers

Open Mic Merdeka: Merdeka.com/Imam Buhori

He also shared his funny experiences while working as an advisor, such as the origin of the typical headband of Bontang City called 'udeng' that was worn at that time.

The idea of using udeng emerged during a meeting attended by Bontang City officials, where coincidentally the officials were bald.

"The Mayor suddenly said, what if we protect the heads of these bald people. What if we make it a characteristic of Bontang, and thus udeng was born," said Asdar, greeted by laughter from the audience.

Asdar's humorous performance was then continued by Zainul Effendi Joesoef, the Acting Head of Diskominfo of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, who replaced the Vice Regent, Rendi Solihin.

In his performance, he talked about the special significance of the number 17 in Kutai. This was also related to the issue of travel expenses, which always amounted to Rp 170,000 whether it was a short or long distance trip.

"In Kutai, 17 is a sacred number. So, no matter where the business trip is, it's always 170,000," said Zainul when performing at SCTV Tower, Jakarta, on Wednesday (29/5).

"Even for an 8-hour trip, it's still 170,000," he added.

3. Funny Policy

Open Mic Merdeka: Merdeka.com/Imam Buhori

In addition, Zainul also raised the issue of the condition of roads in the interior of Kalimantan which are still inadequate.

“What's interesting is that if we have a pinched nerve. Yeah, it relapses, it relapses and gets worse,” he said, greeted by laughter from the audience.

All three officials admitted that they were happy to be able to perform in the Open Mic Merdeka session two. They all agreed that this was their first time acting like comedians and being laughed at.

Gus Ipin admitted that he was happy to be part of the Open Mic Merdeka event because he believed that this could package criticism into something that could be accepted and discussed in a healthy way.

"There is a connection between officials and stand-up comedy, many officials are seen by the public because of their funny policies," said Gus Ipin.

“Maybe (in the future) there could be a battle of roasting each other, so the Regent of Trenggalek with one stand-up comedian from Trenggalek, we might roast the people and the people roast us, and finally have a political dialogue. Sometimes we need such ways to communicate,” said Gus Ipin.

4. Laugh at Yourself

Open Mic Merdeka: Merdeka.com/Imam Buhori

The Editor-in-Chief of merdeka.com, Darojatun, stated that Open Mic is one of the signature programs of Merdeka.com. Through this program, merdeka.com challenges local officials to entertain the public with jokes.

“Open Mic trains all of us to laugh at ourselves and become more humble,” said Darojatun in front of the attending officials.

In addition to the impressive performances by the three officials, Open Mic Merdeka was also graced by a special performance from Indonesian beatboxer, Adi Kerang, who had just returned from Germany to participate in a beatbox competition representing Indonesia.

The Open Mic Merdeka Session Two event can be watched on vidio.com platform on June 5, 2024.

(kpl/irf/glk)