Performance art
30th October 2024
Lenong, a traditional Betawi art form dating back to the early 20th century, is more than just entertainment. As a folk theatre, it also serves as an educational tool for the community. Lenong Preman, a specific type of Lenong, stands out for its interactive nature, fostering two-way communication between performers and audience. This element of communication then becomes one of Lenong’s strengths, which was explored in the Beyond Tradition project in Indonesia, particularly in creating a space for dialogue to address social issues that exist in everyday life.
The Beyond Tradition Module: Revitalizing Lenong as a Model for Teaching Betawi Arts was developed from the learning model. The module aims to contribute to the Emancipated Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka), which focuses on project-based learning, while also addressing the needs of the DKI Jakarta government to preserve Betawi culture.
This module were developed jointly between artists from various institutions, namely the Center for Family Resilience and Development (PKPK), Faculty of Psychology, Unika Atma Jaya, Padepokan Ciliwung Condet (PCC), Mr. Jose Rizal Manua (theatre), Sanggar Purnama (rhyme), Studio Ruang Condet (Lenong), Gitarda Studio (Gambang Kromong), Jelantika Nusantara (Betawi dance), Sanggar Si Khodrat (playing beats), Deprok Pencak Silat College (playing hits) and Super 8MM Foundation (photos, videos and films). As well as asking for input from government agencies (East Jakarta Administrative City Education and Culture Service and East Jakarta Administrative City Culture Service), and several educational units.