CCN, Cilegon. Providing space for children to express themselves in the Cidangdang District and its surroundings, Roni Gesenk has successfully sparked children’s interest in traditional Ubrug theater. The performance revives the nostalgia of games and songs from the past, captivating the audience with every scene performed by young actors on the versatile stage of Rawa Arum (October 7, 2023).
Roni expressed that the program, facilitated by Region 8 Cultural Preservation Agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, has been his long-standing dream since he settled in Cidangdang, Grogol. “The potential of children in this area in the world of performance truly deserves praise. Therefore, when the Ministry initiated this program, I immediately registered the Ubrug training program for them,” he said.
Roni also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Education and Culture of Cilegon, as well as the local art figures, such as the Chairman of the Cilegon Arts Council and the local art community, and Husein Saidan, a figure in the Gapura Banten.
“I was born from the Wonk Kite theater community, which was led by Kang Ahdi at that time, and it has continued to this day thanks to the prayers and support of fellow communities and other art organizations involved in the development of the arts in Cilegon, especially Mrs. Heni,” he added.
Heni Anita Susila, the Head of the Department of Education and Culture of Cilegon, who witnessed the Ubrug performance until the end, expressed her admiration for Roni, who successfully introduced a new generation to the world of Ubrug. “I am impressed with the performance of Ubrug by Kang Roni and his friends, which was presented brilliantly by the young participants. Many messages were conveyed in this performance, including traditional games and the freedom of expression, which kept me glued to my seat,” she said.
Heni also emphasized the potential of these children in the field of Ubrug and the importance of preserving this traditional art. “Our Department of Education and Culture will involve traditional Ubrug art in various activities so that the wider community realizes that Ubrug in Cilegon still exists and must be preserved,” she concluded.
In addition, Husein Saidan, one of the figures of Rawa Arum, expressed his gratitude for the achievements of Roni Gesenk and the children in his community. He described this as an extraordinary achievement and promised to continue supporting the thought and artistic movement in Grogol, with the younger generation continuing to develop it.
The event was attended by representatives from the Region 8 Cultural Preservation Center, the Cilegon Arts Council, Teater Wonk Kite, as well as local art communities and organizations, artists, parents of the training participants, and the Rawa Arum community. (***)
