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Almost Extinct Betawi Culture? Abang None Jakarta Theater Presents 'JANJI SOEKMA' Inviting Young Generation to Preserve Betawi Art and Culture

Almost Extinct Betawi Culture? Abang None Jakarta Theater Presents 'JANJI SOEKMA' Inviting Young Generation to Preserve Betawi Art and Culture

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Almost Extinct Betawi Culture? Abang None Jakarta Theater Presents 'JANJI SOEKMA' Inviting Young Generation to Preserve Betawi Art and Culture

Written by Vierda Safyra

For 14 years, Abang None Jakarta Theater has presented various performances to preserve Betawi culture. Presented by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, this performance holds a deep meaning behind it. JANJI SOEKMA: LANGGAM GAMBANG KEHIDUPAN will be performed on October 6-7, 2023, at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

The performance of JANJI SOEKMA: LANGGAM GAMBANG KEHIDUPAN is a continuation of the story from the performance of SOEKMA DJAJA that was presented in 2023 at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. Using the theme song titled SELARAS by Kunto Aji, this sequel to Soekma Djaja tells the story of Lia, the youngest generation in the Soekma Djaja artist family, struggling to fulfill the promise to her late adoptive father, Maman Djaja, to preserve the ancestral heritage of Gambang Kromong Soekma Djaja.  However, the planned strategies are hindered by dangerous situations, forcing Lia to decide between preserving gambang kromong or selling it for the safety of everyone. In addition to highlighting and reviving the uniqueness of Betawi's traditional orchestra, gambang kromong, this story depicts the struggle and sacrifice in preserving culture post-pandemic. Let's take a look at the pictures below!

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Receiving stereotypes from young people that gambang kromong and wayang are mystical, Maudy Koesnaedi feels sad about how ignorant they are about traditional Indonesian music.

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Teater Abang None Jakarta has consistently worked and preserved Betawi culture for 14 years. With a modest target, this performance will showcase the uniqueness of gambang kromong and can be a presentation that not only entertains but also increases the knowledge and love of the younger generation for Betawi culture.

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This performance has a distinctive feature by incorporating Betawi messages, but with a youthful and light presentation.

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The song SELARAS by Kunto Aji and Nadin Amizah answers all questions about traditional music. During the pandemic, the impact on artists is significant because entertainment needs are secondary after primary needs.

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With the main character being a female character, Lia. Break the stereotype of Betawi women which is "well, mattress, kitchen". These three things are not trivial, all the essence of life actually exists there. The well is a livelihood, the kitchen is a source of food and health.

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The figure of Lia showcases creativity to attract the attention of the younger generation to get to know, love, and preserve Betawi culture.

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Feeling shocked, Lutfi Ardiansyah narrates one scene in the performance with the script "This is our last gambang kromong performance". This scene motivates young people to continue to strive to preserve Betawi culture and not let it disappear.

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Through this performance, it is hoped that the younger generation will at least be aware of the appreciation of art about various struggles undertaken by artists post-pandemic.