The Indonesian School of Informatics and Computer Science (STIKI) Malang, through its Visual Communication Design program, has launched a Bantengan-themed card game aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional art form among the younger generation. This initiative is part of a collaborative research effort between faculty and students, with Adita Ayu Kusumasari, S.Sn., M.Sn., as the supervising lecturer and Muhammad Nabil Dhiyaul Ahbab Nusya as the student researcher.
Reviving Bantengan Art Through Educational Media
Bantengan art, known for its blend of martial arts, dance, music, and magic, holds a special place in Poncokusumo, Malang Regency. However, it faces marginalization due to the influence of foreign cultures and changing interests among the youth. To counter this, STIKI Malang developed a Bantengan-themed card game designed to be an engaging educational tool for teenagers and young adults aged 16-25 years.
The card game features attractive illustrations and easy-to-understand rules, aiming to make learning about Bantengan art fun and interactive. The research was conducted in Belung Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency, involving direct observation, interviews with local leaders and cultural experts, and documentation of Bantengan events. The design process followed the Design Thinking methodology, encompassing stages of empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing.
Unique Features and Benefits of the Bantengan Card Game
The Bantengan card game provides rich information about the art form, including its history, rituals, and magical elements. It includes various types of cards, such as character and action cards, all designed with vector illustrations that reflect Bantengan culture. The game is designed to be played repeatedly, offering a fun learning experience and actively engaging players.
This card game is expected to effectively promote Bantengan Poncokusumo art to a broader audience, especially the younger generation. By making Bantengan art more accessible and engaging, the game aims to foster appreciation and recognition of this cultural heritage in modern society.
Data and Facts About Bantengan Art
History of Bantengan: Bantengan is a traditional art form with roots in religious rituals and ceremonies in East Java, dating back to the Majapahit era. Initially part of rituals to honor ancestors and seek protection, Bantengan evolved into a means of entertainment that strengthened communal bonds. Despite facing bans during the colonial period, the tradition persisted secretly and resurfaced post-independence.
Magical Elements: Bantengan art involves magical elements such as trance, where performers appear possessed by animal spirits, demonstrating extraordinary feats. These performances often include magical objects like keris (daggers) and talismans believed to protect the performers.
Influence of Globalization: While globalization has led to a decline in interest in traditional arts among the youth, it has also introduced modern touches to Bantengan performances, making them more attractive and interactive. Efforts to document and share Bantengan art on digital platforms have helped increase its appreciation among the younger generation.
Social Impact: Preserving Bantengan art not only maintains cultural identity but also strengthens communal bonds and provides economic benefits. Bantengan performances attract tourists, boosting local revenue, and involve the community in producing related items, contributing to the local economy. Educational programs about Bantengan art enhance cultural awareness and pride among the youth.
Conclusion
Bantengan art remains a valuable part of East Java’s cultural heritage. Preservation efforts by institutions like STIKI Malang, through innovative projects such as the Bantengan Poncokusumo card game, demonstrate that creativity and technology can be harnessed to promote traditional culture. With continued support, Bantengan art is poised to thrive and be cherished by future generations, becoming a source of pride and identity for the people of East Java.