Nanang Supriatna, Yudi Sukmayadi, Andrian Purwanto

Tarawangsa Traditional Music: An Ethnomusicological Study in Sukaluyu Village, Girimukti Village, Sumedang

Introduction

Tarawangsa traditional music: an ethnomusicological study in sukaluyu village, girimukti village, sumedang. Tarawangsa traditional music in Sukaluyu, Sumedang, evolved from sacred ritual to entertainment & therapy. Explore its cultural adaptation and strong preservation potential.

Abstract

Tarawangsa traditional music in Sukaluyu Village, Sumedang Regency, has undergone a significant transformation due to the community’s social, cultural, and religious dynamics. Once a sacred function in the Bubur Sura ritual that contains elements of belief in Dewi Sri and ancestors, this art has now shifted to become a medium for entertainment, therapy, and public performances. This study aims to examine the changing function of Tarawangsa in the context of contemporary Sukaluyu society. The method used is qualitative-descriptive, with data collection techniques through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with artists and local communities. The results showed that shifts in community values, the influence of globalization, and changes in religious orientation have led to the cessation of the main ritual practice since 2018. Nevertheless, Tarawangsa has survived through thanksgiving performances, healing ceremonies, and cultural activities in local media and art festivals. These findings confirm that Tarawangsa is a dynamic and adaptive cultural heritage, with strong preservation potential when managed in a contextual and participatory manner.

Review

This paper presents a compelling ethnomusicological study of Tarawangsa traditional music in Sukaluyu Village, Sumedang, focusing on its profound functional transformation. The abstract effectively articulates the shift from its original sacred role in the Bubur Sura ritual, linked to Dewi Sri and ancestral beliefs, to its contemporary functions as entertainment, therapy, and public performance. The research highlights the crucial role of social, cultural, and religious dynamics in driving these changes, positioning Tarawangsa as a highly adaptable cultural heritage. This topic is particularly relevant for understanding the complex survival and evolution of traditional arts in an era of rapid societal change. The methodology described, employing a qualitative-descriptive approach with participatory observation and in-depth interviews, appears well-suited to capture the nuances of such cultural shifts. The findings are significant, pinpointing the cessation of the primary ritual practice since 2018 due to evolving community values, globalization, and changing religious orientations. Crucially, the study demonstrates Tarawangsa's remarkable resilience, maintaining its presence through new avenues such as thanksgiving performances, healing ceremonies, and participation in art festivals and local media. This detailed account of both decline in original function and robust adaptation to new contexts offers valuable insights into the dynamics of cultural preservation. While the abstract provides a strong overview, the full paper would benefit from a deeper exploration of the *how* and *why* behind the successful recontextualization of Tarawangsa in its new functions. For instance, an analysis of the specific musical or performance adaptations made for entertainment versus therapy, and the challenges faced in implementing "contextual and participatory" management, would further enrich the analysis. Nevertheless, the abstract promises a robust and insightful study that makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of Sundanese ethnomusicology and the broader discourse on the adaptive potential of traditional cultural heritage. This work offers vital lessons for scholars and practitioners involved in cultural preservation.

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