Those who are forgotten: The existence of Ketoprak Rukun Karya in Sumenep Madura, 1976–2000s

Abstract

Since the mid-20th century, the traditional art of ketoprak on Madura Island, par- ticularly in Sumenep Regency, has shown its existence. There are two well-known ketoprak in Madura, namely Rukun Famili and Rukun Karya. However, the original Sumenep ketoprak art seems absent from Indonesian and Maduran historiography. This paper aims to explain the history of traditional theater arts in Madura, especially the Rukun Karya ketoprak located in Sumenep. This paper uses the historical method by conducting a careful reading of several archival sources and interviews. The results of this study indicate that although Ketoprak Rukun Karya had existed since 1976, the people of Sumenep (urban) do not know and like this art. Additionally, in the Sumenep area, the Rukun Karya archipelago has become a popular and luxurious entertainment for the people. This is due to the rapid modernization of urban society and the erosion of local artistic values.