Gerindra Reminds Purwakarta Regent to Watch His Conduct Amid 'Lalaki Langit' Criticism

Gerindra Party spokesperson Sugiat Santoso has expressed regret over the song ‘Lalaki Langit’ by Saepul Bahri Binzein, the Regent of Purwakarta. Sugiat stated that the party had heard the clarification that the song was created before Zein became regent. “In principle, we have heard directly the clarification delivered by the Purwakarta Regent regarding the song. The song was made long before he became regent, based on his clarification,” Sugiat told reporters on Thursday (2/7/2026). The Deputy Chairman of House Commission XIII said this incident, which has drawn public attention, must serve as a lesson for all parties. He assessed that creating a work of art must prioritise existing norms and culture. “But the most important message to convey is that this is a lesson for every citizen, not just regional heads, that when creating works of art to be enjoyed by the public, one must uphold norms,” said Sugiat. “Uphold ethics, uphold the values present in our culture. Moreover, do not let it give the impression of demeaning any party. That is the first point,” he added. Gerindra, Sugiat said, has asked regional heads to focus on the people’s welfare. He stated that every party must prioritise setting an example in attitude and speech. “Secondly, I think this is also a lesson for anyone, especially regional heads, to focus more on their duties and functions as regional heads to improve the welfare of their people and to provide exemplary conduct. Exemplary conduct in speaking, in attitude, in behaviour. Let this be a lesson for all of us, I think that is it,” he explained. Sugiat mentioned that the case involving the Purwakarta Regent’s name has been informally discussed within the party. He reminded that decorum must be maintained in every behaviour of public officials. “Formally, not yet, but I think our leaders often communicate informally with their cadres, both in the legislative and executive branches. I think informally it has been reminded and conveyed. Not just in the context of the Purwakarta Regent, but in every meeting we are always reminded to watch our conduct, our behaviour, and our speech,” he said. Sugiat noted that Zein’s work was created before he became a regional head. Nevertheless, he regretted that the song’s content had a tone that demeaned women. “Actually, from the content, it does not safeguard the feelings of women. We regret why he could write lyrics like that. For example, make a song, just make a song, but do not let the lyrics offend the feelings of a community group,” he said. Previously, the song ‘Lalaki Langit’ by Saepul Bahri Binzein drew sharp criticism after its lyrics were deemed demeaning to women. Deputy Chairman of House Commission II Dede Yusuf urged Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian to act. “The Home Affairs Minister, as the supervisor of regional heads, must request a clarification from the regent and can issue a reprimand so that the administration continues to run according to existing regulations,” Dede Yusuf said via text message on Thursday (2/7). Meanwhile, Zein has apologised after the lyrics of ‘Lalaki Langit’ were considered offensive to women. He explained that the video and lyrics were created in 2020 before he served as regent. “It stemmed from a reflection on my own behaviour, which I thought at the time was mischievous, and I was grateful God created me as a man. Perhaps if I had been created as a woman, what I was thinking might have happened because I could not yet look after myself,” the Purwakarta Regent said when confirmed, as reported by detikJabar on Wednesday (1/7).