Lestari Budaya lewat Kesenian Jawa Purba di Purbalingga

Summary

In Sidareja, Purbalingga, Central Java, a two-day festival celebrated traditional Javanese arts, featuring performances like Ebeg (Kuda Lumping), modern art exhibitions, and local traditions. The event, which showcased the youth's dedication to preserving cultural heritage, included powerful dance performances, fire-based rituals, and paintings expressing local customs. The festival highlighted the village's efforts to merge the old with the new while promoting tourism and local pride. It's a celebration of cultural identity, aiming to inspire younger generations to connect with their roots and ensure the survival of these traditions amidst modern influences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sidareja village in Purbalingga, Central Java, hosted a vibrant celebration of ancient Javanese arts over two days, from August 20-21, 2022.
• 😀 The event featured a variety of local arts, including performances by youth groups and village residents, highlighting the preservation of cultural traditions.
• 😀 Traditional Javanese arts such as Ebeg (a form of horse-dance) were showcased, and local youth were trained in the discipline and love for traditional arts.
• 😀 The Ebeg dance performances were accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats, with three groups—Turonggo Muda, Turonggo Sukmo, and Sukmojati—taking part in the celebration.
• 😀 According to Soeharto, leader of the Turonggo Sukmo group, the Ebeg tradition has been present in the village since 1986, and the event aimed to preserve this cultural heritage.
• 😀 The event aimed to keep traditional arts like Ebeg alive amidst the rise of modern pop culture, especially among the younger generation.
• 😀 One of the unique traditions featured was a painting by local youth depicting the 'Abil habitat' tradition, where torches were used to celebrate a boy’s circumcision.
• 😀 The Abil habitat tradition also included fire performances and torch-carrying for street lighting, adding to the cultural festivities.
• 😀 Local youth also presented artwork that celebrated rural life, including paintings of women who earned a living by catching fish in the river, symbolizing resilience and gratitude.
• 😀 The head of Sidareja's community welfare section, Admin Budiharjo, expressed hopes for the event to become an annual celebration, fostering local tourism and economic growth through cultural engagement.

Q & A

What is the focus of the arts event in Sidareja, Purbalingga?

The event showcases traditional Javanese arts, such as Ebeg (Kuda Lumping) dance and contemporary painting, as well as local cultural practices. It aims to preserve and celebrate local heritage.

How long did the arts event last, and when did it take place?

The event lasted for two days, from Saturday, August 20 to Sunday, August 21, 2022.

What is the significance of the Ebeg dance in the event?

The Ebeg dance, a traditional Javanese performance involving horse-like movements, has been a part of Sidareja's culture since 1986. The event aimed to ensure that this art form remains relevant, especially amidst modern trends and pop culture.

What role do the youth of Sidareja play in preserving the arts?

The youth, through both performances and artistic creations, contribute to the preservation of local culture. They are trained to embrace and respect traditional arts, while also exploring modern expressions like painting.

How are paintings incorporated into the event?

The event features paintings by the village youth that represent traditional practices, such as the 'Abil Habitat,' which depicts the tradition of playing with torches to celebrate a boy's circumcision.

What is the 'Abil Habitat' tradition mentioned in the script?

The 'Abil Habitat' is a local tradition where villagers play with torches to entertain a boy who has just undergone circumcision. It symbolizes pride for the family and the village community.

What is the connection between the event and local traditions like the 'Abid Eni'?

The event celebrates and revives local traditions such as 'Abid Eni,' a custom involving fire-related performances that attract community attention. These traditions reflect the resilience and resourcefulness of past generations.

What was the role of the head of Sidareja's welfare section, Admin Budiharjo, in the event?

Admin Budiharjo expressed hope that the event would become an annual tradition, emphasizing its potential to boost the village’s economy and provide a platform for local youth to showcase their talents.

What is the significance of the village's cultural efforts for the youth of Sidareja?

The cultural efforts offer the youth an alternative to unproductive activities, helping them stay engaged in their community's heritage and providing a sense of pride in their cultural identity.

What are the broader goals of the event beyond preserving culture?

The event serves not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to enhance local tourism and economic activity. It is an opportunity for Sidareja to showcase its unique traditions while fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.