As the first light of dawn approaches during Ramadan, the sound of “tung tung tung sahur” echoes through sleepy streets, awakening households across Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia. This rhythmic call part chant, part percussion serves as a traditional reminder for Muslims to wake up and eat their pre dawn meal, or sahur, before the daily fast begins.
The phrase “tung tung tung sahur” refers both to the chant itself and to the banging of drums or makeshift percussion instruments used by volunteers often local youths who roam the neighborhoods in the early morning hours. The practice, rich in cultural significance, blends faith, folklore, and community spirit, and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years thanks in part to social media platforms like TikTok, where videos capturing the sahur wake-up calls have gone viral.
“I used to do this with my friends when I was younger, and now my kids are doing it,” said 47-year-old Andri Rahman, a resident of Yogyakarta. “The sound of tung tung tung sahur is something that brings us all together. It’s more than a wake-up call it’s a tradition that reminds us of who we are.”
While some areas have shifted to using loudspeakers or recorded messages, many communities still favor the live, human touch. Youth groups often use bamboo sticks, buckets, and tambourines, moving from house to house, belting out chants that blend humor and religious encouragement. In some cities, local authorities even organize sahur parades, complete with decorated carts and coordinated drumming teams.
Cultural experts say the tung tung tung sahur tradition not only preserves Islamic values but also strengthens community bonds. “It’s a beautiful intersection of faith and festivity,” noted Dr. Mira Hasyim, a sociologist at Universitas Indonesia. “Especially in a digital age, this analog act of waking up neighbors through song and sound is both nostalgic and meaningful.”
As Ramadan continues, the nightly echoes of tung tung tung sahur serve as a unifying reminder of devotion, discipline, and the enduring power of tradition. In a world moving increasingly toward automation and isolation, this old school alarm clock remains an irreplaceable part of the spiritual season.
