With the development of dangdut music in Indonesia, there emerged backing bands called Orkes Melayu. These groups, which accompanied dangdut singers on stage, are widespread in the northern coast of Java, especially in the eastern region. A few of them went to rule the Indonesian dangdut stages. Who are they? Let’s find out.

#1: OM Sagita

Coming from Nganjuk, East Java, OM Sagita is an Orkes Melayu group that combines dangdut with the art of Jaranan. This combination of music is known as jaranan dangdut or Jandhut. A distinctive jargon synymous with this group is the word ‘assololley’, which now has become a catchphrase among dangdut singers.

#2: OM New Pallapa

The formation of Orkes Melayu New Pallapa was preceded by an orkes Melayu called OM Pallapa, which was established in 1998 in the city of Sidoarjo, East Java, led by Totok Ispiranto and his wife Juana Sari. After disagreement arose between the co-founders of the group, the successor of the group was made to add the word ‘new’ to their name, though the core lineup doesn’t change at all.  

#3: OM Monata

OM Monata is a music group comprising of eight members from various cities in East Java. The musical concept offered by Monata is a combination of dangdut with pop, reggae, and rock. As a result of the creativity of members who have experienced many trials and tribulation in the music world, Monata’s music arrangement came off as neat and unique, so harmonious and easily accepted by the wider community.

#4: OM Sera

The name Sera is an abbreviation of Selera Rakyat, because the group’s aim is to offer all types of music according to the tastes of Indonesian listeners. After the success of their premier show at the end of 2003, the documentation recording inadvertently circulated widely, even in overseas, thrusting Sera under the spotlight and the hearts of the public. Sera began to receive offers to do gigs outside of Central Java. At that time Sera was one of East Java’s orchestra groups that many people said have successfully expanded dangdut stages throughout Central Java. (Red.)