Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta's Consistency in Embracing Folk Arts

Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta makes folk art its breath to continue to live across the ages. The same spirit will be continued at the age of 41 this time.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Konsistensi Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta Memeluk Kesenian Rakyat

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Ketoprak artist, Yuningsih or Yu Beruk (right), hugs a senior journalist from the daily Kompas, Sindhunata, after receiving an award at the 41st anniversary of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta in Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Tuesday (26/9/2023). The award was given for Yuningsih's dedication to caring for traditional arts, especially ketoprak. On its anniversary, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta faithfully embraces folk art.

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS - Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta makes folk art its breath to continue to live through time. The same spirit will be continued in its 41st year of existence. The loyalty to preserve traditional art is achieved through efforts to revitalize all forms of art from the past in a contemporary context.

The idea was conveyed by the curator of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Sindhunata, in his speech at the 41st Anniversary Celebration of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta in the city of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Tuesday (26/9/2023) evening.

The event was enlivened by an exhibition of old art from Hermanu entitled "Behind Bentara Budaya's Books". The exhibition is entitled 3 Colors considering that the works presented cover three things, namely fine art (art), antiquity (vintage), and historical heritage (heritage ). Also presented campursari entertainment from the Guyub Rukun group.

Also read: Transformation of Cultural Heritage Modernity

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Ketoprak artist, Yuningsih or Yu Beruk, dances with senior journalist from the dailyKompas, Sindhunata, after receiving an award at the commemoration of the 41st anniversary of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta in Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Tuesday (26/9/ 2023).

"From the beginning, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta was founded to provide a space for traditional arts, especially those from the outskirts. We have consistently emphasized this for 41 years. This cannot be separated from Hermanu's contribution," said Sindhunata."

According to Sindhunata, Hermanu is seen to be very loyal in collecting antique items that may have become countless in number. He said that all those antique things are actually being presented in the context of today's generation. Such efforts are considered to be very helpful in preserving traditional arts that are starting to be sidelined. This is because traditional arts and antique arts live side by side.

Currently, according to Sindhunata, many modern galleries are emerging. However, it is very rare for galleries to have concerns about traditional art like Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta. Their consistency in maintaining traditional artistic elements in every exhibition is also supported by the willingness of Hermanu and other artists who never tire of presenting their old art exhibitions at the gallery.

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

The ketoprak artist, Yuningsih or Yu Beruk, danced along with others after receiving an award during the 41st anniversary celebration of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta in Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (26/9/2023).

"Therefore, I express my gratitude for the hard work of Hermanu and his colleagues who have always supported to establish a unique identity for Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, particularly in Yogyakarta. Art that truly rooted in tradition and actualized as a tradition," said Sindhunata.

Award

Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta's commitment to traditional arts is also demonstrated through the awarding of prizes to artists who are devoted to preserving traditional arts. This year, the award was given to a ketoprak artist from Yogyakarta who is also known by the stage name Yu Beruk. Despite being 70 years old, this figure has persevered in making traditional arts his way of life.

"His dedication is so total and long-lasting. His entire life is devoted to the arts, especially traditional arts, specifically ketoprak," said Sindhunata.

Also read: Mbah Gepuk and Pesugihan in the History of Bentara Budaya

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

The appearance of the campursari group Guyub Rukun at the 41st anniversary celebration of Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta in Yogyakarta City, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Tuesday (26/9/2023). On this occasion, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta awarded the ketoprak artist Yuningsih, also known as Yu Beruk.

Sindhunata regards Yuningsih as more than just an artist. She is also an icon for ketoprak and traditional arts in general. Therefore, Yuningsih's popularity has made her a national figure. Sindhunata hopes that the small honor given by Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta will suffice in acknowledging Yuningsih's long journey in pursuing traditional arts.

"This is truly important. Do not look at any of our appreciation values. However, our entire sincerity in honoring Yu Beruk in our own way. Our friends in Yogyakarta have long had a tradition of respecting figures like him who have given their all to the arts, especially traditional arts," said Sindhunata.

Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to Hermanu and his colleagues who have worked tirelessly to support the establishment of a unique identity for Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, particularly in Yogyakarta. Their art truly embraces tradition and is reimagined as such.

Yuningsih feels very grateful for the award she received that night. She regards art as a way of life. Therefore, she tries every possible effort to survive in that world. In the end, it is not only herself who is being nourished by the traditional art, but the traditional art itself will also continue to endure thanks to her loyalty to embrace that art form.

"I dedicate myself to traditional arts as my source of livelihood. As a person who lives to provide for my family's needs. From traditional art, it becomes a benefit for my children's future," said Yuningsih.