Musical Drama “The Lovers’ Love Song: Ken Arok Ken Dedes” Rocked State University of Malang

Faculty of Letters

Diva Gita Edenia

December 3rd, 2024

SDG 17

Students The Department of Indonesian Literature, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang (UM), successfully held a musical drama entitled “The Lovers’ Love Song: Ken Arok Ken Dedes”. This event took place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Sasana Budaya UM Building and was open to the public free of charge.

This drama presents the legendary story of the characters Ken Arok and Ken Dedes in the form of stunning music and performance art. Produced by Dr. Dwi Sulistiyorini, S.S., M.Hum., with the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yuni Pratiwi, M.Pd., this performance succeeded in presenting a deep and meaningful cultural experience. The drama follows the journey of Ken Arok, the legendary figure of Singhasari, from his controversial birth to kingship. Starting from his banishment as a baby, Ken Arok grew up in a criminal environment, forming a tough and ambitious character. After becoming Tunggul Ametung’s bodyguard, Ken Arok becomes enamored with Ken Dedes, the akuwu’s wife.

Director Dr. Sn. Indra Suherjanto, S.Pd., M.Sn., combined traditional and modern art in the presentation of the story, while music director Fandy Romadoni, M.Pd., presented a musical composition that captivated the audience. The event was opened with a musical performance from the Gatra Paminja group, which further added to the thick Javanese cultural atmosphere. Interestingly, besides involving students from the Indonesian Language, Literature and Regional Education Study Program class of 2022, this performance also featured the contribution of exchange students from Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Taiwan, namely Hung, Chiao-Wen (Alice) and Lu, Tsai-Chen (Tina). They played the gamelan, giving an international touch to the appreciation of local culture.

With the high enthusiasm of the audience who packed the Sasana Budaya Building, this event not only became a place for art and cultural appreciation, but also strengthened collaboration between nations. This musical drama is proof that timeless love stories from the past are still relevant and able to touch the hearts of today’s young generation.