Viral Song ‘Erika’ by ITB Student Council Sparks Criticism, Mining Engineering Student Association Admits Negligence and Apologizes

Controversy over a video performance by the Orkes Semi Dangdut (OSD) from the Mining Student Association of the Bandung Institute of Technology has triggered a wave of public criticism after the lyrics of the song Erika were deemed to contain elements of harassment against women. The HMT-ITB has finally spoken out, issuing an apology and acknowledging negligence in performing the song Erika amidst changing social norms.

The video, which went viral on social media, first emerged after being uploaded to an X account on Monday, April 13, 2026. The recording depicts a lively student event, with male and female participants dancing to dangdut rhythms in front of the stage.

However, public attention was not focused on the event’s festivity, but rather on the content of the song Erika’s lyrics, which were considered inappropriate. Several excerpts of the lyrics were deemed vulgar and containing elements of objectification of women, triggering strong reactions from netizens.

The wave of criticism spread widely, especially because the performance originated from the prestigious ITB campus environment. Many questioned the students’ sensitivity to issues of equality and ethics, particularly within an academic setting.

Responding to the polemic, the Mining Student Association of ITB, through an official release on the campus website, conveyed an apology to the public. They stated they understand the sensitivity of the developing issue and expressed empathy, especially towards women who felt harmed.

“We deeply understand and are aware of the sensitivity of this issue and express our concern and empathy to the community, especially women,” the official statement released on Wednesday (April 15, 2026) read.

HMT-ITB stated that the Orkes Semi Dangdut (OSD) is a student activity unit that has existed since the 1970s. Meanwhile, the song Erika, which came under scrutiny, is known to originate from the 1980s.

Although having historical value, the organization acknowledged that using the song in the current context was a form of negligence. They assessed that the content is no longer relevant to the development of social norms and morality applicable in modern society.

Furthermore, HMT-ITB emphasized that the content in the performance does not reflect the values that should be upheld by the academic environment or student organizations.

The HMT-ITB organization also affirmed a firm stance by not condoning any actions that demean the dignity of any individual or group, including women.

HMT-ITB stated it has coordinated with various parties to take down all related content, both video and audio, from the organization’s official channels and affiliated individual accounts.

Not only that, they also targeted the deletion of old videos, including recordings of similar performances from 2020 that recirculated and worsened the situation.

Internal evaluation steps were immediately carried out comprehensively. HMT-ITB stated it is currently reviewing all content, activity implementation mechanisms, and the supervision system within every organizational agenda.

The evaluation also includes a review of student activity standards and guidelines to better align with ethical values, social norms, and principles of equality developing in the campus and wider community environment.

On the other hand, discussions on social media continue to this day. The video continues to circulate and become a topic of discussion, not only concerning student entertainment content but also touching on the boundaries of creativity and social responsibility in public spaces.

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