Pramono on the ITB Erika Song: Its Lyrics Were Once a Form of Resistance Against the Regime
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has spoken out regarding the viral song “Erika” performed by the Semi-Dangdut Orchestra of the ITB Mining Students Association.
The song has drawn public attention because its lyrics are seen to contain elements of harassment towards women.
Pramono, an ITB alumnus, admitted to having sung the song during his student days and even participating directly in its performances.
“When I was an ITB student, I was indeed the Chairman of the Mining Students Association, whose song is now extremely viral, titled ‘Erika’. To be honest, at that time I was one of the kecimpring players who went ecrek-ecrek, serving as backing vocals,” Pramono said while attending the Halal Bi Halal event with the ITB Parents of Students Association in Kebayoran Baru, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (19/4/2026).
“If asked whether I have ever sung the Erika song, I answer yes. However, the verses and lyrics were different because at that time the Erika song was very famous and it was part of the ITB students’ form of resistance against the regime,” he said.
Pramono added that in every performance of the song, elements of criticism against the government at the time were usually inserted, and there were often students who gave speeches imitating the voice of Indonesia’s second president, Suharto.
“So there was always someone in the performance giving a speech using Mr Harto’s voice,” he said.
In addition to responding to the song controversy, Pramono also reminisced about his academic journey at ITB.
He mentioned completing his studies in the Mining Engineering department thanks to a scholarship from the Parents of Students Association.
“I received a scholarship at that time from the ITB Parents of Students Association, so I could complete my studies at ITB in the Mining Engineering department,” he said.
Previously, a video of the HMT ITB Semi-Dangdut Orchestra performance went viral on social media after being uploaded by the X account @iPoopBased on 13 April 2026.
The “Erika” song performed in that appearance drew attention for being seen to contain elements of harassment towards women.
In response, HMT ITB has also issued an apology for the circulation of the song.
“We extend our deepest apologies for the circulation of the song that has caused public unrest. We fully understand and recognise the sensitivity of this issue and express our concern and empathy to the public, especially women,” quoted from the official ITB website, Wednesday (15/4/2026).
“We realise that this is a negligence in continuing to perform the song given the development of social norms and propriety in today’s society,” it said.