Alumni of Faculty of Engineering UGM (KATGAMA) has presented a Ketoprak traditional play performance on Saturday (18/3) at the Koesnadi Hardjosoemantri Cultural Centre (PKKH) UGM, presenting the Suminten Edan (Suminten Going Crazy) play. “The Ketoprak play, which is presented in a humorous way, tells the story of rebellion and upheavals in Ponogoro, done by robbers and thieves,” said Agus Marsudi, the director.
The husband of Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, opens the story with the plot of the life of warok in Ponorogo, East Java, during the times of King Brawijaya. In Ponorogo regency there are thefts and robberies that disrupt order and even lead to the fall of the regency. Seeing this condition, the Regent of Ponorogo asks the waroks (fighting masters) to unite and fight the thieves and robbers. Finally, the criminals are beaten by Warok Siman and group. As an appreciation, the Regent, takes the daughter of Warok Siman, Suminten, as his daughter-in-law. When Warok Siman is preparing for the wedding reception for his daughter, two women come to them saying they are the representatives from Ponorogo, who are actually Surogentho and subordinates. They announce that the wedding has been cancelled because the bride has been taken by the daughter of Warok Suromenggolo, namely Cempluk Warsiah. Ashamed, Suminten became distressed and gone crazy. The story of Suminten Going Crazy which is a popular folklore in East Java is indeed often performed in ketoprak plays.
But the special thing this time was the performers. Th event organisers have involved leading figures to act in the play, including Industrial Minister, Airlangga Hartarto. “I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the university leadership and Ministers who have agreed to perform in this play and made this play special,” said Chairman of KATGAMA, Agus Priyatno.
Apart from the Minister, other players are Rector of UGM, Dwikorita Karnawati, and Dean of Faculty of Engineering UGM, Panut Mulyono, and other seniors such as Hary Sulistyo, Syamsul Kamal, and Suharyanto.
The involvement of these leaders in the play has brought laughters to the audience. This made that night of reunion even more special. “I hope what has been presented here tonight is enjoyable to you all,” said Panut Mulyono.