DIBALIK MISTERI JATHILAN (mystery behind the jathilan dance)

Summary

The transcript presents an in-depth exploration of Jathilan, a traditional Indonesian performance art that blends dance, magic, and spirituality. It highlights the unique aspects of the performance, such as the use of bamboo horses, elaborate rituals, and the powerful experience of trance-like states during the show. The ritualistic elements, including spiritual offerings and mantras, set the stage for a memorable performance, which reaches its climax when dancers are possessed, displaying bizarre behaviors. The cultural significance of Jathilan in regions like Magelang, Yogyakarta, and Temanggung is explored, emphasizing its deep roots in local traditions and beliefs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jathilan is a traditional Indonesian art form that combines dance and magical elements.
• 😀 The performance often involves participants riding imitation horses made of bamboo or woven materials.
• 😀 Jathilan's origins are unclear, with no detailed historical records, but it is passed down through oral traditions.
• 😀 The art form is particularly prominent in areas like Yogyakarta, Magelang, and Temanggung in Indonesia.
• 😀 In some regions, Jathilan is also known by other names like Embek or Efek, depending on the locality.
• 😀 The performances are accompanied by simple, repetitive music using instruments like drums, angklung, and bamboo instruments.
• 😀 In the 1960s, Jathilan music evolved with the addition of gamelan instruments, making the performance more varied and complex.
• 😀 A key feature of Jathilan performances is when participants go into a trance-like state, believed to be possession by spirits or deities.
• 😀 Rituals are performed before the Jathilan show, including offerings and prayers at sacred locations like rivers to ensure a smooth performance.
• 😀 During the trance state, performers display unusual behaviors, such as screaming or moving erratically, which is considered the climax of the performance.

Q & A

What is Jathilan, and how is it performed?

Jathilan is a traditional Indonesian art form that combines dance movements with magical elements. It involves dancers performing while riding a fake horse made of bamboo or woven materials. The dance is accompanied by music and sometimes includes elements of spiritual rituals, with dancers experiencing trance-like states during performances.

What is the significance of the spiritual ritual before a Jathilan performance?

Before a Jathilan performance, a ritual is performed by local spiritual leaders. This ritual involves offerings such as flowers, cooked chicken, eggs, and money, which are placed in a sacred river. The ritual aims to seek permission from the spirits to ensure the performance proceeds smoothly.

What is the role of the spiritual leader (pawang) in a Jathilan performance?

The spiritual leader, known as the pawang, plays a key role in guiding the dancers who may enter a trance state. The pawang uses mantras, whispers, and even physically engages with the dancers by pulling their hair or guiding their movements to maintain the spiritual flow of the performance.

How has the music used in Jathilan evolved over time?

Initially, the music for Jathilan was simple, using instruments like kendang (drum), bende (gong), and angklung (bamboo instrument). Over time, gamelan music was incorporated, including the use of both slendro and pelog scales, enriching the sound and variety of the performances.

What are the various names used for Jathilan in different regions?

While the art form is widely known as Jathilan in areas like Yogyakarta, Magelang, and Temanggung, it has different names in other regions of Indonesia. For example, in Wonosobo, it is called 'Embek,' and in Banyumas, it is known as 'Efek.'

Why do the dancers in Jathilan sometimes go into trance-like states?

During Jathilan performances, some dancers enter trance-like states due to the intense spiritual or mystical elements involved. This is believed to be a form of possession by spirits or supernatural forces, which is considered a climactic part of the performance.

What are the traditional materials used in Jathilan performances?

The traditional materials for Jathilan include bamboo or woven horses (known as 'kuda kepang'), large masks (barongan), and various ceremonial offerings. These materials are integral to both the visual and spiritual components of the performance.

What is the cultural importance of Jathilan in the regions where it is performed?

Jathilan is an important cultural tradition in several Indonesian regions, particularly in areas surrounding Mount Merapi. It represents the preservation of local heritage, the integration of arts with spirituality, and the continuation of generational traditions, as it is passed down through communities.

How do local communities contribute to the preservation of Jathilan?

Local communities support Jathilan by organizing performances, providing resources for the creation of costumes and musical instruments, and participating in rituals. There is a strong sense of community cooperation, with the sharing of knowledge about the dance's techniques and spiritual significance.

What makes the climax of a Jathilan performance unique?

The climax of a Jathilan performance is unique due to the trance-like states some dancers experience, which often involves them acting in strange and unexplainable ways. This includes uncontrollable movements, shouting, and physical rigidity, which are considered vital to the authenticity of the performance.