YOGYAKARTA- Rapid development of science and technology whether it is recognized or not could affect on the younger generation understanding of the cultural and artistic traditions, including Javanese culture. If the young generation including students is no longer interested in studying the cultural and artistic traditions, it is feared that the culture around us will erode or even disappear. So, as one way to preserve the Javanese culture, UGM Student Association of Nusantara Literature (KAMASUTRA) held a gugur gunung (Joint event).
"Gugur gunung means mutual cooperation. Therefore, as students of Nusantara Literature Department, we work together to build and develop our literature, including the Javanese culture," said Ferdi Arifin, the committee chairman of event on the sidelines of the Ramayana Ballet, Saturday (11/12) night at the Faculty of Cultural Science UGM. Ramayana ballet is a series of Gugur gunung closing events.
Ferdi adds that the event consists of three activities. First, a national seminar that discusses the perception and interpretation of Javanese culture in the Battle of Flowers. Second, the Festival of Gamelan. The festival is followed by seven traditional music groups, namely SD Rojoniten, Gamasutra, Gereja Swara Lare, SMP 5 Depok, SMKI Yogyakarta, Sukoharjo Veterans University, and Tembi Houses of Culture. Third, the Ramayana Ballet.
"The entire events were being held at the Faculty of Cultural Science and as a closing event, the Ramayana Ballet is held tonight," said the student from class of 2008.
On that occasion, Ferdi explains that for the gamelan festival every group is free to perform songs or play music instruments. They can even combine them with the modern music instrument such as drums, guitars etc.
As for the Ramayana Ballet, it presents Bayu Bajra Ballet group of UNY. Although before the show it had rained, the students looked enthusiastic to watch the performances. Many students were present at the event.