Lowokwaru (malangkota.go.id) – To celebrate the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, residents of the Penanggungan Pottery Village, Malang City, held an August 17 Ceremony on the banks of the Brantas River, Thursday (17/8/2023).
The Head of the Malang City Tourism Awareness Group Communication Forum (Forkom Pokdarwis), Isa Wahyudi, revealed that almost all thematic villages in Malang City celebrated the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day with various interesting and different activities, starting from joint prayers, vigil nights to holding August ceremonies.
"Especially for the Pottery Thematic Village, we hold the August ceremony on the banks of the Brantas River," explained Isa, Thursday (17/8/2023).
In addition to holding the ceremony, in Penanggungan Pottery Village there are also various other activities, such as the performance of Mbok Jamu Dance, Garuda Creation Dance, Malang Mask Dance and dolanan singing. All participants of the ceremony, from children to adults are also invited to parade around Penanggungan Pottery Village.
The man who is often called Ki Demang invited all participants of the activity to love the Brantas River which is a source of life. In the past, the Brantas River was considered a backyard by the community. "Currently, the Brantas River has become the front yard, which is a space of expression for children and residents around the Brantas River," explained Isa.
Brantas River is said to be a symbol of civilization, many great kingdoms were born and developed with the pulse of Brantas River. Brantas River witnessed the beginning of the founding of the archipelago as well as witnessed the nation's struggle to win independence.
The event became more interesting when after the August ceremony there was a performance of Wayang Suket puppeteered by Samsul Subakri alias Mbah Karjo who invited the children to join in singing and playing. The dolanan songs performed consisted of Javanese calculations that carried moral messages about prayer and hope, as well as behavior of friendship and mutual respect.
"Tembang dolanan is based on local wisdom, and will be easy for children to memorize. Tembang dolanan also conveys a message of love for the environment so that children are interested and care about maintaining the Brantas River," said Mbah Karjo. (cah/yon)
