Malanginspirasi.com – The Topeng Panji Kirana performance at Taman Krida Budaya in Malang once again captivated large crowds, particularly the younger generation, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
This seventh installment—presented through a collaboration between Topeng Panji and music by Arya Galih—was organized by the Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Jawa Timur (East Java Culture and Tourism Office via its UPT Laboratorium Pelatihan dan Pengembangan Kesenian (Technical Implementation Unit for Arts Training Laboratory and Development).
Abdullah Afif, Head of the UPTLPPK Arts Laboratory Section, reported that audience turnout far exceeded expectations.
“Last October’s show drew 1,726 attendees. This time, pre-registered tickets already reached 2,254—and we estimate the total could hit 2,500,” he said.
He noted that most spectators were university students, thanks to the venue’s proximity to major campuses in Malang.
The event is part of UPTLPPK’s mission to preserve underappreciated traditional arts.
Reviving Topeng Malang
Topeng Malang was selected for revival due to its rich history and near extinction.
This was stated by UPTLPPK staff member, Barari.
“Topeng Malang thrived in the 1960s and 1970s—even performing in Jakarta at the president’s request. But public interest later declined sharply, nearly wiping it out. As UPTLPPK, we identified fading art forms for recovery. Topeng Malang was a priority. With support from the cultural office and local artists, we now stage regular shows at Taman Krida,” Barari explained.
Since the revival, performances have been held nearly monthly, consistently drawing new audiences—especially students and youth in Malang.
This edition of Topeng Panji Kirana featured a total of 18 performers:
- 12 masked dancers
- Recorded musicians
- A dalang (puppet master/narrator)
- A sinden (female traditional singer)
The Arya Galih ensemble contributed four female vocalists, backed by a technical crew.
The fusion of traditional masked dance with trending contemporary Javanese music created a fresh, accessible vibe that resonated deeply with student audiences.
Bigger Next Year
Afif expressed hopes for 2026:
“We aim to host 4–5 similar events at Taman Krida with more varied concepts,” he said.
Afif also urged greater recognition for underappreciated arts, including jaranan (Javanese horse trance dance), on the global stage:
“Reog was recently recognized by UNESCO. We hope jaranan and other forms like Topeng Malang can follow,” he stated.
With the highest attendance to date, Malang reaffirms its status as a city with unmatched passion for masked performance arts.
The Topeng Panji Kirana show stands as powerful proof that traditional arts remain alive, evolving, and cherished by the next generation.
