Purwakarta Regent Saepul Bahri Binzein, known as Om Zein, is back in the spotlight after an old video of him reciting a poem matching the lyrics of the controversial song ‘Lalaki Langit Lalanang Bejad’ spreads widely.
The Sundanese-language song drew criticism for lyrics seen as demeaning to women. Om Zein has removed the song from social media and issued a public apology.
"Mohon maaf yang sebesar-besarnya jika lagu yang berjudul Lalaki Langit Lalanang Bejadi dianggap mendiskreditkan atau merendahkan pihak lain. Om Zein tidak bermaksud untuk itu," he said on Instagram.
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia academic Rita Tila expressed disagreement with the lyric choices. Jabar Bantuan Hukum sent a legal notice citing misogynistic elements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also examining the case. The old video shows Om Zein reciting the poem on stage with long hair and a white t-shirt.
