Indonesian comedian Aming has recently captured the attention of netizens and the wider public with a significant personal transformation, marked by a newfound commitment to religious observance. On Monday, February 13, 2023, Aming shared a series of photographs on his verified Instagram account, @amingisback, showcasing a striking new appearance. Dressed in a pristine white koko shirt and a matching white peci (a cap traditionally worn by Muslim men), the artist alluded to a spiritual awakening and a decision to embark on a path of religious devotion, often referred to as "hijrah" in Islamic tradition.
The accompanying caption, "Semoga istiqomah ikhtiarnya" (May his efforts be steadfast), expressed a hope for perseverance in this spiritual journey. The images themselves offered a visual narrative of this transition. In one photograph, Aming is depicted in a serious, contemplative pose. The second image reveals him standing beneath a photograph of a revered religious figure, with an inscription indicating "Maqom Kramat Situs Sejarah Tanjung Priok," suggesting a visit to the historical tomb complex of Mbah Priok in North Jakarta.
This public display of religious commitment quickly garnered a flurry of reactions from fellow celebrities and the online community. The comment section of Aming’s post was inundated with messages of support and admiration. Stand-up comedian Tretan Muslim offered a congratulatory "Subhanallah ikhwan," to which Aming responded with a remark that humorously acknowledged his past persona: "Saya lelah jadi ukhti" (I am tired of being an ‘ukhti’ – a term often used to refer to a Muslim woman).
Renowned actor Baifong Wong also expressed his approval, commenting, "Nah ganteng neh" (Now that’s handsome) with a fire emoji, signaling his appreciation for Aming’s refined appearance. The positive endorsements continued to pour in from various public figures. Alvin Adam offered a prayerful "Bismillah… Amin ya Robbal Alamin" (In the name of God… Amen, Lord of the worlds). Umi Pipik, a prominent figure in religious broadcasting, commented, "Minal hadirin miing kalau lagi ziarah" (Among those present, Miing is there during the pilgrimage), referencing Aming by a familiar nickname.
Indy Barends, a television presenter, expressed her well wishes with "Semoga lancar amiiiiing amiiin" (May it be smooth, Amen, Amen). Actor Chicco Jerikho simply stated, "GAGAH" (Stunning/Majestic). Veteran singer Elvy Sukaesih offered a heartfelt prayer: "MasyaaAllah.. Aamiin yaa Robb. Semoga selalu dalam syafaatnya Rasulullah SAW dan keridhoan Allah SWT" (God has willed it… Amen, O Lord. May he always be under the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the pleasure of Allah SWT).
Beyond the celebrity sphere, a vast number of ordinary netizens also joined in, showering Aming with praise and encouragement for his apparent spiritual journey. Comments such as "Aamiin… Sekarang tambah ganteng loh om" (Amen… You are even more handsome now, uncle) and "Aamiin Ya Allah. Semangat Aming semoga hidayah Allah tidak pernah putus dan kebahagiaan yang tidak terhingga" (Amen, O Allah. Keep up the spirit, Aming, may Allah’s guidance never cease and may there be boundless happiness) reflected the widespread positive sentiment. Another user expressed shared joy: "Alhamdullillah, ikut senang walau bukan siapa-siapanya. Semoga istiqomah bang Aming" (Praise be to God, I am happy even though I am nobody to him. May he remain steadfast, Brother Aming).
The day following his initial announcement, on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Aming continued to engage his followers with another post featuring him wearing a peci. In this subsequent update, he posed a question to his audience, seeking clarification on the specific name of the headwear: "Saya gak tahu namanya, peci bukan? atau topi haji gitu? ada yang tahu? Mending pake kacamata apa ngga ya?" (I don’t know its name, is it a peci? or like a Hajj cap? Does anyone know? Would it be better to wear glasses or not?). This interactive post further underscored his openness to learning and embracing his new path.
Background and Context of Aming’s Public Persona
Aming, whose full name is Aming Supriatna, is a well-known figure in the Indonesian entertainment industry. For years, he has been recognized for his distinctive comedic style and his willingness to challenge societal norms through his public persona. He often embraced a theatrical and flamboyant presentation, frequently blurring the lines between masculine and feminine identities in his performances. This approach, while entertaining for many, also led to considerable public discourse and, at times, controversy regarding his gender expression and perceived sexual orientation.
In the past, Aming has been a subject of intense media scrutiny and public debate. He has been associated with discussions surrounding gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ issues in Indonesia, a country where these topics can be sensitive and often met with mixed societal reactions. Reports in the past have alluded to his participation in events related to the LGBT community and even rumors of undergoing cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, which further fueled public speculation about his identity.
The Significance of "Hijrah"
The term "hijrah" in an Islamic context refers not only to the historical migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina but also, in contemporary usage, to a personal spiritual journey of seeking to live a more devout life according to Islamic principles. This often involves making conscious changes in one’s lifestyle, appearance, and behavior to align with religious teachings. For many individuals who undertake hijrah, it represents a profound commitment to personal reform and a desire for spiritual growth.
The act of adopting modest attire, such as the koko shirt and peci, is a common outward manifestation of this commitment. These garments are often seen as symbols of piety and adherence to Islamic traditions. For public figures like Aming, such a visible change in appearance can be particularly impactful, signaling a significant shift in their public and personal lives.
Broader Implications and Societal Reception
Aming’s decision to embrace a more religiously observant lifestyle has resonated deeply with a segment of the Indonesian population. His past persona, characterized by its unconventionality and openness to exploring gender expression, has garnered a dedicated following. However, his current transformation offers a different narrative, one that speaks to the universal human quest for meaning and spiritual fulfillment.
The overwhelming positive response from both fellow celebrities and the general public suggests a broader societal acceptance and a willingness to embrace personal growth, even when it represents a departure from a previously established public image. This can be interpreted in several ways:
- Openness to Personal Growth: The widespread support indicates a societal appreciation for individuals who undergo significant personal transformations, particularly those focused on spiritual or religious development.
- Respect for Religious Devotion: Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and there is a general respect for religious observance. Aming’s visible commitment to Islam has likely been met with approval from many within this context.
- Empathy for Personal Journeys: While Aming’s past was marked by controversy, his current declaration of "hijrah" may have evoked empathy from those who understand the complexities of personal identity and the search for peace and purpose.
- Potential for Dialogue: Aming’s transition could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue about identity, faith, and personal expression within Indonesian society. His unique journey may offer a bridge between different perspectives and encourage understanding.
The fact that Aming himself acknowledged feeling "tired of being an ukhti" in response to a congratulatory comment from a male comedian suggests a conscious decision to move away from past associations and embrace a more traditional masculine role within his newfound religious framework. This detail might be particularly significant in a society where gender roles are often clearly defined.
Future Outlook and Analysis
The journey of "hijrah" is often a long and continuous process. Aming’s initial steps have been met with immense public encouragement. The coming months and years will likely reveal the depth and sustained nature of his commitment. His ability to navigate this transformation while maintaining his public profile will be a subject of continued interest.
From a media perspective, Aming’s story highlights the power of social media platforms in disseminating personal news and shaping public perception. His Instagram posts have served as a direct channel to his audience, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers and allowing for immediate engagement and feedback.
The reactions from figures like Tretan Muslim, Baifong Wong, and Elvy Sukaesih underscore the interconnectedness of the Indonesian entertainment industry and the supportive network that often exists among its prominent personalities. Their endorsements lend weight and visibility to Aming’s personal journey.
In conclusion, Aming’s recent public embrace of Islamic religious practices marks a significant turning point in his public life. The widespread support and positive reactions suggest that his transformation is being viewed not merely as a change in appearance but as a profound personal evolution, one that has been met with a mixture of admiration, well wishes, and prayers for steadfastness from a diverse segment of Indonesian society. This event serves as a testament to the enduring human desire for spiritual fulfillment and the public’s willingness to acknowledge and support personal growth.