The Marching Band Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held a grand performance at the Ramayana Ballet Prambanan on Sunday (Nov. 10).
The event, titled Pangupajiwa: Marta Sang Mahapatih Gajah Mada, coincided with Heroes’ Day and marked the peak celebration of the UGM Marching Band’s 45th anniversary, established in 1979.
The UGM Marching Band presented an extraordinary artistic performance, reminding everyone of the importance of preserving and appreciating Indonesia’s culture and history across generations.
“As the younger generation, we feel it is crucial to preserve our cultural heritage, especially amidst the continuous development of modernization. Through this performance, we aim to show that Javanese traditional art still holds a strong place in the community’s hearts, especially in more creative and innovative forms,” said the General Manager of UGM Marching Band in a statement sent to reporters on Friday (Nov. 29).
The Pangupajiwa performance involved collaboration with Gutami Hayu Pangastuti from SMA Negeri 2 Yogyakarta Theater, SMA Negeri 3 Yogyakarta Theater, students of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, and the UGM Surakarta-Style Javanese Art Unit (UKJGS).
The shared enthusiasm for preserving Indonesia’s traditional culture brought together an extraordinary collaboration of young communities on the open stage of Ramayana Ballet Prambanan.
Pangupajiwa specifically depicted the life of Patih Gajah Mada, a legendary figure known for the Sumpah Palapa. His efforts to unify the archipelago are considered the origins of Indonesia’s civilization.
The performance opened with the energetic accompaniment of the marching band, energizing the audience. Melodic vocals and musical harmonies brought the historical narrative of the Mahapatih to life.
Mahapatih Gajah Mada is remembered as a valiant and loyal figure of the Majapahit Kingdom. His vision was to extend Majapahit’s influence to unify the diverse kingdoms of the archipelago.
The Pararaton, Nagarakertagama, and 13th-century inscriptions document his life and struggles. To this day, Patih Gajah Mada remains a symbol of perseverance and patriotism in maintaining Indonesia’s unity.
The performance was enriched by the participation of UKJGS UGM and theater collaborations, adding a traditional nuance to various scenes.
One of the most dramatic moments was the depiction of the Mahapatih’s final moments, coinciding with a rain shower, which heightened the emotional atmosphere as the audience witnessed the culmination of his struggles and dedication after successfully uniting the archipelago with the Sumpah Palapa.
The UGM Marching Band’s collaborative performance with several theater communities in Yogyakarta demonstrates that art and performances remain timeless.
Despite being a contemporary musical art form, UGM Marching Band showcased legendary stories of the archipelago while reigniting a love for traditional art among the younger generation.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif