The Iconic Dance of Lengger

Lengger dance is one of the remarkable Indonesian cultural heritage which is developed in the Wonosobo, and Banyumas Residency. Lengger means male dancer, a folk performing art by two or more dancers.

The difference between Lengger in Wonosobo and Banyumas is the performing dancers. Banyumas Lengger is called Lengger Lanang Banyumasan is a ronggeng art with male dancers who made up the dress and costumes like women to tell the various folktales. Meanwhile, Lengger Wonosobo usually performs female dancers as the main performer. Lately, on 20-22 January, Sanggar Ngesti Laras, a Lengger dance studio, presented the magnificent Lengger performing dance titled "Kusumandanging Kidung Adi" at Borsang Umbrella Festival in Thailand.

Initially, the Lengger dance was created as part of a ritual of "cleaning" the village and bringing the ritual offerings for the spirit to guard and secure the village from the bad lurking evils. This performing art has been known for a long time. The historic manuscript stated that the Lengger dance was once used for Sunan Kalijaga's preaching in the 15th century through the acculturation of culture, art, and religion to spread Islamic values in Java. Even though it has been created a long time ago, Lengger still survives and is preserved to this day. Lengger was pioneered in Wonosobo by Gondowinangun in 1910 and developed again in the 1970s by Ki Hadi Soewarno.

For the first time, this dance tells the love story of Princess Sekar Taji and Panji Asmara Bangun. In its development, Lengger also brought another tale according to the conditions, issues, and conflicts within the society. Usually, Lengger performed in an outdoor area at night. Begin with "Gending Patalon" a series of Javanese instruments set called Gamelan, then followed by Babadono song which is accompanied by ritual offerings towards the spirits. Eventually, the main performance is brought by Lengger dancers through collaborative dancing performances of male and female dancers to tell various folktales.

The long journey of Lengger dance is still never ending in keeping our generation entertained. In addition, it also preserved countless ancient values of Javanese culture and society.

Written by: Farhan Muhammad