JAKARTA - The legend of the Mandalika Princess has long lived in the collective memory of the Sasak community as a story of sacrifice to prevent war.
Through the short film "Mandalika: Harmony of Logic and Conscience", the story is presented again with a more contextual value - this figure is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge that gives birth to the Bau Nyale tradition.
The film will be screened at the Mandalika Culture Night "Bau Nyale Short Movie Screening" on February 6, 2026 at Kuta Beach, Mandalika as part of the Bau Nyale Festival series.
"Synematic works have the power as a medium of knowledge, because in it summarizes ideas in visual narratives, it is easier to understand, easier to analyze. Of course this short film 'Mandalika' is a cultural documentation for a reflection space related to the authentic tradition of the Sasak Tribe," said Unram Professor, Prof. Dr. H. Nuriadi, S.S., M.Hum, Tuesday, February 3.
The film "Mandalika: Harmony of Logic and Conscience" does not position Mandalika as merely a tragic figure of sacrifice. Instead, she is read as a smart woman who understands nature, time, and social responsibility.
This narrative opens up the space for interpretation of Bau Nyale born from the values of wisdom, unity, and knowledge - more than mere symbolism. The story of Mandalika also becomes a reflection of leadership that is rooted in empathy for humans and nature.
The Head of the NTB Tourism Agency, Ahmad Nur Aulia, said the 'Bau Nyale Short Movie Screening' event was part of the strategy for education-based tourism.
"We want to introduce Bau Nyale as a complete cultural experience, which is based on knowledge and fundamental values, so that it can be learned by domestic and foreign tourists. The film is a gateway to cultivate this interest more deeply," he said.
Mandalika and Cikal Princesses Will Smell Nyale
The Sasak people narrate the story of Princess Mandalika as a meeting point between legends and values of life. Mandalika is portrayed as a leader who is faced with a major conflict: a power struggle that threatens the peace of her people.
The Nyale smell then grew as a tradition associated with the event, passed down through generations and became one of the most important cultural rituals in Lombok to this day.
Reinterpretation: Sacrifice becomes Wisdom
"Putri Mandalika cannot be read solely as a story of sacrifice, but rather a representation of the intelligence of social leadership of the Sasak community. This interpretation is important so that cultural literacy is not biased and remains based on the context and knowledge of the ancestors," said Lalu Agus Fathurrahman, Sasak culturalist.
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