A recent TikTok video posted by user @cocoleeon has gone viral after showing a foreigner mistaking the sound of a tonggeret, an insect, for an alarm.
The short clip captures a moment of confusion followed by fascination as the tourist steps out of a car on a quiet roadside surrounded by lush greenery, only to realise that the high-pitched whirring sound was coming not from a machine, but from nature.
“At first I thought it was an alarm,” the video caption reads. The user then added: “Stepped out of the car and thought it was an alarm. Turns out it was just nature. Loud, alive, unreal.”
@cocoleeon Stepped out of the car and thought it was an alarm. Turns out it was just nature. Loud, alive, unreal. #foryoupage❤️❤️ #soundscape #bandungvibes #quietmoment #halfindo #indonesiatiktok #actorslife #unexpectedbeauty #minimalreel ♬ Originalton – Conrad Ahrens
The video struck a chord with Indonesian netizens, many of whom recognised the sound instantly and flooded the comments with explanations. One user wrote: “It’s called tonggeret or cicada, best alarm ever. If there are cicadas in your area, it means the air quality is good.”
Others added that the sound of the tonggeret typically signals sunny weather or the transition between seasons, especially in rural areas.
While urban dwellers may rarely encounter the insect, people living in the countryside are often greeted by its unmistakable sound, especially during the change from rainy to dry season. The sound is known to echo from the trees at dusk or during the stillness of the night.
Tonggeret: From Natural Soundtrack to Mythical Symbol
Scientifically classified under the family Cicadidae, tonggeret are part of the insect suborder Cicadomorpha, within the order Hemiptera. They are known for their large eyes, rotating vision of up to 180 degrees, piercing-sucking mouthparts, and a distinct, almost mechanical, chirping sound.
These insects are typically active in tropical regions, and are commonly found across Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Sulawesi, and the Philippines.
In Indonesian folklore, the tonggeret carries symbolic meaning. It is not just a seasonal indicator but is also steeped in myth. Some communities believe that the sound of a tonggeret can serve as a good or bad omen—sometimes interpreted as a supernatural message or a sign of forthcoming events.
These beliefs are passed down orally and have become part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Whether viewed as nature’s soundtrack or a spiritual signpost, the tonggeret represents the close relationship between humans and their environment.
The growing interest in the insect, especially through viral content such as @cocoleeon’s video, not only provides a glimpse into Indonesia’s natural richness but also helps to preserve lesser-known local traditions and natural knowledge in the digital age.
Photo by Suki Lee/Pexels
