CCN, CILEGON – The scorching sun blazed over Cilegon City as a group of young actors gathered with hopeful faces. They were student theater enthusiasts who, on that day, were officially sent off to perform in the Sasaka Cibanten cultural series.
Behind the simplicity of the send-off ceremony lay a profound meaning. These artists were not merely departing for a performance—they were carrying the identity, stories, and local wisdom of Banten onto a larger stage.
Representing the Chairman of the Cilegon City Cultural Council, Rizal Arif Baihaqi, Head of the Publication and Promotion Division, likened them to “cultural ambassadors” embarking on a mission to preserve their roots while presenting works of art that remain relevant to the times.
“They are not just actors, but heirs of values. On that stage, they will bring forth history, messages, and the spirit of Banten,” he said on Saturday (October 4, 2025).
Rizal went on to explain that Teater Ngederes Cibanten was not an ordinary performance. It was, he said, “the most honest language of the soul, a witness of time that never betrays.”
“It is a window of civilization that opens our eyes—to who we truly are, to the roots that bind us to this land,” he emphasized.
According to Rizal, the performance is not only a work of art but also a call to preserve local wisdom, unite collective emotion, and rekindle the ecological and spiritual awareness of the Banten people.
He also reminded the actors not to lose heart or feel afraid.
“Never feel small! Never be afraid! For upon your shoulders stand the proud City of Cilegon, the Land of Banten, and a long, glorious history! Let this performance be a torch, a guiding light, and a reminder that this nation, this land, has become great because of its culture—because of the courage and sincerity of its artists!” he declared passionately.
Closing his remarks, Rizal expressed full confidence that Teater Ngederes Cibanten would mark a new milestone, a new chapter of history, and a shared pride.
“With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, depart with a burning spirit and return with your heads held high in pride!” he concluded.
At the same event, Ahdi Zukhruf Amri, the director and playwright, emphasized that this performance was not merely a theatrical show but a reflection of humanity’s relationship with nature—and a prayer for the river’s eternal life.
“This performance tells the story of the Cibanten River as the pulse of civilization and a silent witness to Banten’s history—from the myth-filled upstream to the polluted downstream of today. Through a fusion of poetry, music, movement, and traditional symbols, the river’s story becomes a mirror of human life—of loyalty, courage, destruction, and hope,” he said.
Ahdi further explained that “Ngederes” symbolizes the act of reciting prayers, reading nature, and reweaving the community’s bond with the river.
“Ngederes is not merely a symbol of learning—it is a path to self-discovery. In this script, I try to encapsulate the anxiety, hope, and resilience of the Banten people in facing the tides of change,” he explained.
The young actors of Ngederes were visibly moved—filled with pride, nervousness, and joy. They came from various educational levels, from elementary to high school, including Ghathfan Putra Pradipta (SMPN 2 Cilegon), Beby Kirana Nurfazriana (SDN Cibeber 3), Cikal Galang Nusa (SMP Mutiara Bunda Cilegon), Fauzeni Oktarina Yusri (SMPN 3 Cilegon), Aina Dea Azahra (MAN 1 Cilegon), Kayla Alifiya Nurra (MAN 1 Cilegon), Tabina Rezki Adrien (MAN 1 Cilegon), Anggun Yunita (MAN 1 Cilegon), and Sharinah Ilona Arasuli (SMPN 2 Cilegon).
Also attending were the students’ parents and Ihwan Hadi Susanto, co-founder of Teater Wonk Kite Cilegon and assistant director of Ngederes Cibanten.
The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer. Hugs and good wishes accompanied the departing group—as if giving them strength for the journey ahead. From Cilegon, they set forth with determination, carrying the voice of the people, the story of the land, and the heartbeat of culture toward the stage of Sasaka Cibanten. (***)
