Photography as visual documentation of Topeng Losari dance culture of Sanggar Purwa Kencana

Abstract

Indonesia is a country with diverse ethnic groups that has a big potential in exploring its culture and turning it into a valuable asset. However, the young generation does not fully explore this potential and prioritize computerization and technology instead, as they consider those things a bigger asset for the country. This research aims to help preserve Indonesia's local traditions and culture, and reintroducing them to the young generation in the hope of attracting their interest. Losari Topeng dance as one of Indonesia's local cultural heritages will be the main topic explored in this research. It will be done by using visual documentation approach, in the form of photography that has a power on social media and on the internet, both the biggest and the fastest source in spreading information that is distance-free and can reach to a wide audience. Author concludes that photography will be the effective approach to document and visualize this mask dance heritage of the Indonesian culture as a way to preserve it.