More to Know About Banyuwangi

          The Regency of Banyuwangi is located at the easternmost end of the Indonesian island of Java and it is a very strategic area for those who want to go to Bali, since it also serves as an important ferry port between Java and Bali. It is surrounded by mountains and forests to the west; by sea to the east and south. Banyuwangi is only separated by Strait of Bali from Bali.
          Banyuwangi is as are other Indonesian areas a heterogeneous area where many ethnic groups are mingled and live together under the same roof. One of the native groups is the Osing community which has a distinctly Hindu culture although they can be considered as a Javanese sub-ethnic group. They live mainly in the central part of Banyuwangi and they sometimes consider themselves as Majapahitdescendants. Other groups are Javanese (living mostly in the south and west), Madurese(mainly in the north and coastal area) and Balinese (scattered but more concentrated in the east). Other smaller groups are Chinese, Buginese,Arabs,etc.
           This heterogeneity reflects history of this region. Once known as Blambangan (or its variation: Balambangan and Balumbungan), it was a vassal of the Majapahit Kingdom and a regional trade center. After Majapahit Kingdom ceased to exist, it became an independent kingdom and, as such, the last Hindu kingdom of Java. In order to defend itself from the troops of the Sultan or Demak, which tried to occupy it, Blambangan asked for help from Balinese kings, which caused it to lose its independence to Balinese kingdoms. During this time Blambangan was deeply influenced by Balinese culture. After around 150 years of Balinese occupation, the Sultan of Mataram gained control of the territory and renamed it Banyuwangi. Later, it was part of the Mataram territory controlled by the VOC (1770). During the expansion of plantations in 19th century, many parts of Banyuwangi were planted with cofee and sugarcane, which feature its landscape even now.
           Because of its location along Java–Bali road, Banyuwangi is rich in culture, where Javanese, Madurese, Balinese and other cultures had met. This area has got unique arts, traditions and natures. In addition, Banyuwangi has its own trademark arts.
          Gandrung dance is a Banyuwangi typical dance which performed by a woman and along with simple music like violin, triangle (called kluncing), gong (or kempul),kendhang and sometimes with keyboard as result of modern influence. It is performed during night until dawn particularly in parties in addition, this dance is also a welcome dance used to welcome men of honor / someone special at a particular event.
          Janger/Damarwulan is a traditional theatre art which has been developed since the 19th century in Banyuwangi. This theatre is a combination between Balinese, Javanese and local cultures. Balinese influences can be seen in its performers' costumes (which remind one of Arja costumes) and instruments, meanwhile Javanese influences is in its "lakon" or stories as well as language in dialogues. It is distinct from the Balinese Janger.

Posted by Shelly Leonia Sisca at 23:25