UNS – The Student Community Service Program (KKN) carried out by Group 240 of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta organized a cultural socialization and training event in Sonorejo Village, Sukoharjo District, Sukoharjo Regency. The event, held on Saturday (10/8/2024), focused on the theme “The Role of Youth in Preserving the Tatah Sungging Puppet Culture.”

The event also included pranatacara (Javanese master of ceremonies) training, aimed at enhancing skills in traditional speech and event hosting. The socialization was attended by 48 participants, primarily the youth and local neighborhood leaders of Sonorejo Village. This activity was supported by Dyah Yuni Kurniawati, S.Sn., M.Sn., the Field Supervisor (DPL) for UNS KKN Group 240.

The session featured Drs. Imam Sutarjo, M.Hum., a lecturer from the Javanese Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UNS. The socialization aimed to raise awareness and involvement of the younger generation in preserving the Tatah Sungging puppet culture, an invaluable part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Participants were educated on the history, crafting techniques, and philosophical values embedded in Tatah Sungging puppets.

“Through this event, we hope that the youth in Sonorejo will gain a deeper appreciation for local culture and actively participate in its preservation,” Pavita Safa, the Leader of UNS KKN Group 240, said in an interview with uns.ac.id on Wednesday (21/8/2024).

She emphasized the crucial role of the younger generation in ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage so that it remains known and appreciated by future generations. In addition to the socialization, the pranatacara training received enthusiastic participation from attendees. The training was designed to teach public speaking skills, which are essential for formal and traditional events.

Participants learned the basics of pranatacara, including how to structure an event program, the use of refined and polite Javanese language, and the etiquette of hosting an event. The program was well-received and fully supported by the local community and government. Susilowati, S.E., the Secretary of Sonorejo Village, expressed her appreciation for the KKN UNS group’s efforts.

“I appreciate the efforts of the KKN UNS students who are working to preserve our local culture in Sonorejo through educational and beneficial programs for the community,” Susilowati, S.E. said.

Kesit, one of the participants, expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained from the event’s speakers, saying that he learned new insights that he had never encountered before.

With the conclusion of this event, it is hoped that the efforts to preserve the Tatah Sungging puppet culture and enhance pranatacara skills in Sonorejo will continue, driven by the local community, especially its youth.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti