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Despite the shift in platform, the core debate surrounding "mesum" dangdut has not disappeared. It has merely found a new digital battleground. The controversy over candoleng-doleng was a local, physical conflict; the new controversy is national, digital, and fueled by clicks and shares.

Makassar, as a cultural melting pot, has a rich musical heritage. Dangdut music has become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape, reflecting the values and traditions of the local community. The genre's popularity can be attributed to its ability to blend traditional Indonesian music elements with modern styles, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners of all ages.

Performances that may have once remained localized are now exposed to a national audience, resulting in massive public discourse over what constitutes public indecency. 4. Why Does Controversy Occur?

For example, a recent viral controversy involved a student group performance of a dangdut song titled "Erika." The lyrics were deemed "mengandung unsur cabul dan objektifikasi terhadap perempuan" (to contain obscene elements and objectify women), leading to widespread public criticism and an apology from the student group. This shows that the "mesum" label is now quickly applied to any dangdut-related content that is perceived as crossing a line, regardless of the performer's intent.

In regional celebrations, weddings, and local festivals, live musical entertainment remains a staple. Over the years, subgenres of live performances have sometimes courted controversy due to highly expressive stage choreography, which can draw strict local scrutiny or generate viral moments on social media platforms. The Digital Phenomenon: Viral "Mesum" Queries

During local election cycles ( Pilkada ), Dangdut Makasar becomes highly political. While politicians hire artists to draw massive campaign crowds, the musicians often perform satirical songs. These tracks openly critique government corruption, broken infrastructure promises, and the exploitation of the poor, turning the concert stage into a space for civic accountability. Preserving Culture in a Digital Era

These events, while separate, create a backdrop of heightened sensitivity and scrutiny regarding "obscene" behavior in Makassar. For a "verified" dangdut influencer, this legal and social pressure is a constant reality. Their online persona, built on a foundation of suggestive content, exists in a space where authorities are actively monitoring and prosecuting similar acts offline. The police often state that their primary focus is on "those who spread" the videos, not just those performing in them, creating a complex legal landscape for content creators and distributors.

"Siri’ and the Stage: Negotiating Morality and Eroticism in Makassar’s Candoleng-doleng Performances" 1. Research Objective

The "verification" checkmark next to these artists' social media profiles is the ultimate marker of this transformation. The term in the search query signifies legitimacy and authority in the digital realm. These artists are no longer just performers; they are verified creators with massive, quantifiable reach. This official recognition contrasts sharply with the illegal, unverified status of the candoleng-doleng performers of the past.