ADVOCACY OF RECORDS AND ARCHIVES FOR TOPENG BLANTEK AS INTAGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

ADVOCACY OF RECORDS AND ARCHIVES FOR TOPENG BLANTEK AS INTAGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE 

Hikmah Irfaniah* and Ike Iswary Lawanda* 

4.2. Values in Topeng Blantek and Topeng Blantek Records and Archives 

Topeng Blantek is an intangible cultural product in art performance domain. Scafidi (1968) stated that “for cultural products, the intangible element may be an expression of community beliefs, values, aesthetics, or practices”. Every element in Topeng Blantek includes stage art, music, costume, dance, martial art, and lakon as a whole represents the cultural values of Betawi people. 

• Stage setting. The stage setting of Topeng Blantek consists of sundung and torch, both of which are objects used by Betawi people everyday in the past. Sundung is a traditional appliance to transport goods. The existence of sundung and torch on the stage has been maintained because it reflects the origin of where Topeng Blantek and what kind of life of Betawi people at that time. 

• Costume. The costumes used in Topeng Blantek are traditional fashion of Betawi people. As a majority religion of Betawi people, Islam greatly influence the way of the people dressed. 

• Music is part of the culture and is a form and an important way for personal and group expression in it. Musical instrument used in Topeng Blantek is Rebana. Topeng Blantek used to be accompanied by the rhythm of Rebana Biang. It sized 70 - 90 cm in diameter. Since the difficult production and the scarcity of player, Rebana Biang replaced by other instruments such Rebana Hadroh or Gambang Keromong. 

• Dance. Dance is a means of communication that serves as a call to Topeng Blantek players and audiences to gather around. The primary dance used in Topeng Blantek is Topeng Blantek dance. However, it can be replaced with other Betawi dances. 

• Martial art. The performance of martial art is also intended as a call. At the opening of the Topeng Blantek show, the fighter showed some of the moves he mastered. Studying martial arts has become one of Betawi tradition as a self-defense and to defend others who need help. 

• Lakon. Lakon or the play is a story delivered through a theater performance. Topeng Blantek play is dynamic. It is an effective medium for delivery messages to the public or to the authorities in an entertaining way. Topeng Blantek is played spontaneously which the performers improvise to develop the story. With the spontaneity and demands of improvisation, the dialogue built within the Topeng Blantek play was not only intertwined among the players but also to the audiences. The play reflects the openness and close relationship between Betawi people and society. 

• Character in the play. The character who became the icon of Topeng Blantek is Jantuk. Jantuk appeared to open and close the show. Jantuk