Lengger calls for your attention
Lengger is a traditional Javanese dance from Banyumas, Central Java. It has gained a brisk yet brief popularity since the movie Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku was released in 2018. According to beliefs associated with Lengger, spirits are thought to possess the bodies of male dancers who are dressed up in female clothing. The word “lengger” itself is derived from the Javanese phrase diarani leng jebule jengger, which means “initially assumed to be a woman, but later revealed to be a man.” In essence, Lengger is a cultural heritage that passes beyond art, but rather embraces the diverse gender and identity.
Presently, Lengger is endangered due to societal transformations and rising narrow-minded attitudes towards queer representation. Indonesia appears to have disregarded its traditional values by mimicking the worst aspects of Western culture, while the West has progressed in acknowledging gender identities beyond the conventional male-female dichotomy. Regrettably, Indonesia is following the footsteps of the old-fashioned Westerners in their demeanour, which is being worsened by the influence of politicians and religious figures. On the contrary, Lengger does gain positive responses from the public, but today’s generation is barely interested in conserving this cultural legacy. Hence, Lengger is currently a waltz away from losing its fame and recognition.
One way to preserve Lengger is through Jagad Lengger Festival, a collaborative cultural event in Pendhapa Si Panji, a former building of Banyumas Regency Government Centre, that aims to explore the history, present, and future of Lengger. The festival is held to preserve Lengger, as well as addresses issues of gender identity, ecology, values, and deconstruction from multiple perspectives, highlighting the dynamic nature of Lengger. Along with supports from Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Banyumas Regency Local Government, as well as Indonesia Kaya, Jagad Lengger Festival is considered to be an urgent measure to sustain Lengger.
The government and private sector’s support for the event is unclear, but they acknowledge Lengger as a cultural heritage listed in the Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage as performing arts. The government is responsible for protecting, rescuing, securing, maintaining, and restoring all registered cultural heritages based on the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation of 2022. However, there is no information available about the government’s actual efforts to support Lengger.
In my view, it’s crucial to regulate and protect Lengger and its associated cultural practices. This can be achieved by regularly hosting events such as Jagad Lengger Festival to increase public awareness. Additionally, the government should provide financial support through grants and subsidies to promote Lengger. Collaborating with local communities, cultural organizations, and stakeholders can also help create a sustainable preservation plan. This could include involving local communities in decision-making, providing resources and training, and partnering with private sector organisations to support preservation efforts.
Overall, preserving cultural heritage is vital for maintaining a community’s identity and history. We should respect and honor cultural practices, even those that challenge societal norms. Jagad Lengger Festival is an excellent example of an initiative that promotes and preserves Lengger while addressing gender and ecological issues. The involvement of government institutions and student volunteers from Institut Teknologi Telkom Purwokerto is a great collaboration between the government and society to preserve a shared cultural heritage.
