In Makassar, the term "Dangdut Makasar mesum" is virtually synonymous with a specific type of performance known as (or "Cadoleng-doleng"). This is not a mainstream, commercially produced music video but rather a genre of live entertainment typically performed at private events such as weddings (hajatan), circumcision celebrations, and other community gatherings.
Dangdut Makasar Mesum is a sub-genre of dangdut that originated in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The term "mesum" roughly translates to "intimate" or " sensual" in English, which reflects the genre's focus on romantic and erotic themes. Dangdut Makasar Mesum is characterized by its distinctive blend of traditional Bugis and Makassarese music with modern dangdut elements.
Dangdut Makassar Mesum emerged in the 1990s as a fusion of traditional Makassar music, dangdut (a popular Indonesian music genre), and modern styles like pop and rock. Over time, the genre has evolved, incorporating various influences and experimenting with new sounds. dangdut makasar mesum
It captures the of the gig economy, the hypocrisy of moral politics that consume sexualized performance while punishing the performers, the resilience of port communities, and the inventiveness of a people navigating between tradition ( siri’ ) and survival.
: Many see the suggestive nature of these shows as a violation of religious and traditional norms. Commercialize Sensationalism In Makassar, the term "Dangdut Makasar mesum" is
Beyond the local stage, dangdut is becoming a tool for . Programs like Dangdut Academy Asia and recent pushes to recognize the genre as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage highlight its importance in representing Indonesian values like harmony and mutual respect to the world. The Future of the Groove
Dangdut Makassar is not a symptom of cultural decay, as its critics claim. Rather, it is a raw, honest document of contemporary Indonesian urban life. The genre’s thumping bass and grinding hips speak to economic desperation, the failure of formal welfare, religious double standards, and the precarious visibility of gender nonconformity. At the same time, its vitality and grassroots popularity demonstrate how marginalized communities in eastern Indonesia create joy, solidarity, and income where state and religion offer only judgment. The term "mesum" roughly translates to "intimate" or
Songs are rarely sung in standard Indonesian. Instead, they utilize the Makassar language ( Basa Mangkasara’ ) or a heavily accented regional dialect. This linguistic choice immediately localizes the genre, keeping it inaccessible to outsiders but deeply intimate for locals. A Mirror to Local Social Issues
: Performances in Makassar are community events that transcend age and socioeconomic boundaries, where the audience often sings along to relatable stories of romance or tragedy.