As the era advances, traditional cultures begin to fade away gradually. Determined not to hold back, The Department of Film and Television at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) conducted the Optimization of Cultural Heritage of Sobokartti in Kebonagung through a Community Empowerment Program. 

The event, which was conducted by the Film and Television Bureau at Udinus, aimed to conserve the Cultural Art within Kebonagung Village Through Traditional Films and Arts Based on Local Wisdom in order to introduce youths to traditional arts. That program utilized the Sobokartti Cultural Building as the main location. 

The Leader of this Mini Theater Student Organization Coaching Program team, Akbar Ikhlas Ardiansyah, explained that this preservation was conducted to bring the cultures into a fresh breath of air, particularly to youths. The survey conducted by the team showed that the Cultural Heritage located in Semarang began to see a decrease in visitors. Other than that, the team also did several agendas, one of which was the screening of two movies that tell a story about the public restlessness toward the future of traditional arts.

“We intend to encourage the public, students of the Sobokartti Studio, and the Youth Organization within the Kebonagung local community to participate. Not only do we aim to revitalize the function of these buildings, but we also aim to provide a new platform for art enthusiasts to get along with their fellows,” he explained. 

Ruri Suko Basuki, the Head of the Film and Television Study Program at Udinus, added that the film screening was hosted in the form of a continuous mini-theater and an art performance. By doing so, the Sobokartti Studio still retained its artistic origin. Thus, the show program could be more diverse, which would attract new visitors and old ones alike.

“For now, we would like to focus on traditional dances, gamelan, and padegalan. Hopefully, we could spread our wings and add other kinds of arts to the studio, including theater, music, and film. Empowering the Kebonagung Village is also one of our long-term plans,” he added.

Meanwhile, Darmadi, the Committee of the Sobokarti building, expressed his gratitude for the appreciation given by the students. The empowerment and film training programs they conducted would certainly take the studio into a more positive impact. 

“This knowledge would hopefully benefit the local youths and residents. In the near future, we would like to accept other programs intending to make a name for the Sobokartti Studio and help preserve the traditional cultures,” he concluded. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Dok. Biro FTV Udinus)