A Series Of United Entrepreneurs To Preserve Indonesian Culture

JAKARTA - The Gending Enem Studio with the SMAN 6 Jakarta Alumni Association or commonly called Sixerhood and Yasma 6 (Alumni Foundation for SMAN 6 Jakarta) is preparing the Retno Dumah Dance Toprak in commemoration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia which is the 78th as a form of contribution in the preservation of Indonesian culture, especially the classical Javanese dance arts culture.

Collaborating with Wayang Orang Bharata, the Retno Dumah stage is supported by around 150 dancers and tweeters consisting of dance lovers, both beginners and professionals, celebrities Maudy Koesnaedi, Ira Wibowo, Dewi Gita, Metta Ariesta, Chitra Nartomo, Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana, SH, LL.M, Ph.D and Prof. Dr. Achsanul Qosasi, as well as elementary, junior high and high school students in DKI Jakarta.

The Ketoprak dance of Retno Dumah will be held at the Great Theater of Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 15.00 p.m. This performance invites the audience to enjoy the art of the heroic story of Srikandi from Madiun in leading female soldiers against the Mataram Kingdom forces. This play was appointed to interpret the struggle to seize the sovereignty of the Madiun land area.

In addition, there is value about gender equality that has lived in the midst of our society since the 16th century. As part of history, Retno Dumah is a representation of gender equality, emancipation and empowerment of women which is very relevant to today's reality, also in line with the spirit of the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia which is sovereign to continue to advance towards advanced Indonesia.

"As a form of our contribution to cultural preservation, we present this dance ketoprak presentation in the hope of providing positive energy for art lovers from various age groups and especially the dance community while uri uri culture," said Hendro Prastowo, Chair of the Retno Dumah Performance Committee.

"Preserving cultural values will strengthen the identity and character of the nation. The content of values that can be taken from Retno Dumah figures can be used as guidelines, references, and references for the formation of self-charity. We hope to have a positive impact on the younger generation who participate in this activity, both as supporters of events and as spectators," said Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana, General Chair of the Sixerhood for the period 2022-2025.

Maudy Koesnaedi added: This is my third time performing with Gending Enem in the Ketoprak Tari performance. There is always a longing to perform classical Javanese dancing. Apart from being an opportunity to increase knowledge, it is also a reunion place. Like, this time I met again with wayang dancers, people who used to be young are now stepping on teenagers. Proud to see them consistently on the cultural path." he said.