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How Indonesia accidentally won the internet in 2025
Two viral memes from Indonesia suggest a change in the direction of the arrow of global pop culture.
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Indonesia has produced more than one viral export in recent months.
PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM MARK CANNATARO/TIKTOK, YOUTUBE
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- Indonesian traditions go viral globally, including "Tung Tung Tung Sahur" remixes and "aura farming," sparking curiosity and national pride.
- These spontaneous viral moments showcase Indonesia's rising cultural presence, mirroring its growing economic and diplomatic influence.
- Indonesia's "accidental exports" act as soft power, contributing to a multi-polar cultural landscape where Southeast Asia shapes global trends.
AI generated
Halfway across the world, a Canadian graphic artist has turned an Indonesian character from the “Italian Brainrot” universe
Mark Cannataro’s TikTok videos of Tung Tung Tung Sahur – an imaginary caricature of the Indonesian wooden drum used in chants calling Muslims to their pre-dawn meal during Ramadan – have racked up nearly half a billion views.
