Starfruit, MC – To preserve and revive the art of mask culture and Malangan mask dance, residents of Polowijen Village, Blimbing District, Malang City together with mask artists held a Heritage Parade, Sunday (15/11). The event, which was also attended by young people, took place solemnly.
A total of 30 masks and one Ragil Kuning mask, a legacy of the originator of the Malangan mask who is also a resident of Polowijen, Mbah Reni, were exhibited in this event. The procession around the village which is also a series of village cleaning events started from RW 3 towards the Muslim cemetery of Polowijen.
After going around the village, a ritual was held at the tomb of Mbah Reni. This sacred event was marked by ritual offerings, prayers, and the placing of various masks on the tomb of Mbah Reni. Around the tomb, young people (women) lined up, each carrying a Malangan mask.
A few moments later, it was continued with the Malangan mask dance and Grebeg Jowo dance performances. This ritual of respect for Mbah Reni received a warm welcome from the local residents, and they crowded the area of the tomb of the mask master.
According to one of the committees who is also a mask artist, Robby Hidayat said that this event is to revive the Malangan mask which is starting to be eroded by the progress of time. "With an event like this, it will provide entertainment and education to the community, especially the young people," he said.
"If it is not the young generation who loves, preserves and popularizes this ancestral cultural heritage, then it will slowly disappear. Malangan Mask is an icon of Malang that must continue to be maintained and preserved. If masks by previous artists are placed in a museum, then they will not be known to the public," added Robby.
Meanwhile, one of Mbah Reni's family, namely his great-grandson, H. Moch. Aid Aryo Pamungkas said that Mbah Reni was a simple person. "He was one of the servants of the 4th regent of Malang. He is an expert in sunnah, an expert in carving, and an expert in various rituals," he explained. (say/yon)
