Misteri dan Keindahan : Tari Bedhaya Ketawang

Summary

The script provides a rich exploration of Solo (Surakarta), a historic city in Central Java, Indonesia, renowned for its cultural heritage. It covers the legacy of the Mataram Sultanate and the creation of two royal courts: Keraton Kasunanan and Keraton Mangkunegaran. A focus is placed on the sacred dance, Tari Bedoyo Ketawang, which has deep historical and spiritual roots, dating back to Sultan Agung's reign. The dance is performed during royal ceremonies, symbolizing a connection between the spiritual world and the royal lineage. The significance of purity and sacred rituals involved in the performance is also highlighted.

Takeaways

• 😀 Surakarta, also known as Solo, is a city in Central Java, Indonesia, which has historical ties to the Mataram Sultanate through the Giyanti Agreement of 1755.
• 😀 On March 17, 1757, the Salatiga Agreement reduced the territory of the Kasunanan Surakarta, leading to the establishment of the Mangkunegaran principality under Raden Mas Said.
• 😀 Surakarta is home to two royal palaces: the Keraton Kasunanan and the Keraton Mangkunegaran.
• 😀 The Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta was founded in 1744 by Susuhunan Pakubuwana II, replacing the Kraton Kartosuro after the 1743 Geger Pecinan incident.
• 😀 The Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta still functions as the residence of the Sri Sunan and his royal household, maintaining royal traditions and serving as a popular tourist destination.
• 😀 The palace complex houses a museum with collections of royal artifacts, including gifts from European kings, replicas of royal heirlooms, and gamelan instruments.
• 😀 Tari Bedoyo Ketawang is a sacred and mysterious dance performed during royal ceremonies, such as the coronation of a king or ascension to the throne.
• 😀 The name 'Bedoyo Ketawang' comes from 'Bedoyo,' meaning female dancers in the palace, and 'Ketawang,' referring to the sky or something noble and exalted.
• 😀 Tari Bedoyo Ketawang originated during the reign of Sultan Agung (1613-1645) and is linked to mystical stories of celestial encounters and royal connections, including figures like Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.
• 😀 The dance involves nine female dancers, with beliefs that Kanjeng Ratu Kidul herself may join as the tenth dancer. Specific conditions for the dancers, such as purity, are essential for performing the dance.
• 😀 The dancers' costumes include traditional Javanese bridal attire, with intricate details like a larger-than-usual hair bun, garuda accessories, and floral arrangements, emphasizing the sacred nature of the performance.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Surakarta (Solo)?

Surakarta (Solo) is a city in Central Java, Indonesia, historically significant as the heir to the Mataram Sultanate, which was divided through the Giyanti Agreement in 1755. Surakarta became a separate kingdom following the Salatiga Agreement in 1757, leading to the establishment of the Mangkunegaran principality.

What are the two main royal palaces in Surakarta?

Surakarta has two main palaces: the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta, which was established in 1744, and the Keraton Mangkunegaran, which was formed after Raden Mas Said was recognized as a prince under the title of Kadipaten Mangkunegaran.

What is the role of Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta today?

Today, Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta serves as both a royal residence and a museum, preserving various collections related to the Mataram Sultanate, including royal gifts from European kings and replicas of royal heirlooms, and it remains a major cultural and tourist site.

What is the Tari Bedoyo Ketawang, and when is it performed?

Tari Bedoyo Ketawang is a sacred and mysterious traditional dance from Surakarta, performed during important royal events such as a king’s coronation or ascension to the throne. It is considered a spiritual dance and is exclusive to certain audiences.

What is the origin story behind the Tari Bedoyo Ketawang?

The Tari Bedoyo Ketawang originated during the reign of Sultan Agung of the Mataram Sultanate. The dance is said to have been inspired by Sultan Agung's meditation, where he heard a song from the sky, leading him to create the dance. There are also alternative stories linking it to the meeting between Panembahan Senopati and Ratu Kencana Sari.

What is the connection between Kanjeng Ratu Kidul and the Tari Bedoyo Ketawang?

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Queen of the South Seas, is believed to be spiritually present during the performance of Tari Bedoyo Ketawang. According to one version of the legend, she is said to be one of the dancers in the form of the tenth dancer.

What are the requirements for the dancers of Tari Bedoyo Ketawang?

The dancers of Tari Bedoyo Ketawang must be in a state of purity, meaning they cannot be menstruating. If a dancer is menstruating, they must ask for permission from Kanjeng Ratu Kidul and offer a ritual before performing the dance.

How is the Tari Bedoyo Ketawang performed?

The dance is accompanied by a traditional gamelan orchestra and features dancers dressed in elaborate bridal attire, known as Dodot Hukum. The dancers also wear specific accessories such as large hairpins and flower arrangements in their hair.

What does the name 'Bedoyo Ketawang' signify?

The name 'Bedoyo Ketawang' combines two elements: 'Bedoyo,' which refers to the female dancers in the palace, and 'Ketawang,' meaning 'sky' or 'something high and noble.' The name reflects the dance's sacred and royal connotations.

What role does the belief in Kanjeng Ratu Kidul play in the performance of the dance?

Beliefs surrounding Kanjeng Ratu Kidul add a mystical dimension to the performance of the dance. It is believed that if the dancers perform incorrectly, the Queen of the South Seas will intervene and correct them. These spiritual beliefs highlight the sacredness of the dance and its connection to supernatural forces.