National Geographic Indonesia together with the S1 Art Management Study Program of the Faculty of Fine Arts ISI Yogyakarta held a #60 Editorial Talk with the theme "Kemekelen: Die Laughing Jogja-style". The chat, which was held on June 8, 2024 via zoom, explores the history of comedy that once lived in Yogyakarta. In addition, it also discusses the story behind the efforts to maintain it as the identity of the city of Yogyakarta until now.
This discussion presented 3 speakers, namely Trisna Pradita Putra (Comedy Researcher who is also a Lecturer at the S1 Arts Governance Study Program), Budi Irawanto (Head of the Doctoral Study Program in Performing and Fine Arts Studies, Graduate School, UGM), and Trisno Trisusilowati (former Lecturer at the Faculty of Performing Arts, Department of Theater, Institut Seni Indonesia in Yogyakarta, MC and Comedian). The discussion was moderated by Mahandis Yoanata Thamrin (Managing Editor of National Geographic Indonesia).
Trisna said that comedy has been a part of Yogyakarta's folk art for a long time. In the 9th century, there is evidence of a banyol in the Palace. Until the emergence of Dagelan Mataram pioneered by Basiyo in various radio formats from 1959-1979. Today, we can easily find many forms of comedy, from national comedy groups to solo jokes. This proves that the presence of local cultural traditions in the world of comedy makes this study interesting to discuss.
Apart from history, social and technological changes prove that comedians around Yogyakarta are not just good at being funny, but also skilled in management. If not, the comedians would have collapsed to the ground. The question is, will Yogyakarta-style jokes continue to be relevant as entertainment while maintaining the spirit of the city?
Budi Irawanto as one of the cultural researchers also revealed that comedy has various functions, classifications and is also formatted in various media. The comedy revealed by Warkop DKI in the movie "Chips", for example, is the result of exploration between comedy and social criticism by Dono Kasino Indro. Not to mention the "goro-goro" in the shadow puppet play which is a means and medium of interpretation of the puppeteer as a comedian.
Trisno Trisusilowati, known as Mrs. Susi, shared her experience that comedy is not just a means of expressing oneself, but can also support the family economy. In addition to the function, Susi also revealed that a comedian must also have an abundance of ideas so that the audience can laugh. "This is a comedian's tough job, to make them laugh as quickly as possible," said Susi.
This discussion ended with Trisna's proposal regarding efforts to sustain comedy culture in Yogyakarta or Indonesia. Among them are regular performance events by various institutions or patrons, preparing or supporting comedy studios, and preparing skilled art managers related to various comedy agendas, both formally and non-formally. Therefore, the presence of the Art Management study program is one way for the comedy world to continue to exist and be meaningful. "Therefore, comedy is serious, inside and out," said Mohandis from NatGeo Indonesia.
Atmosphere of Editorial Talk
Atmosphere of Editorial Talk
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