SETTING foot on the Island of the Gods, Bali, is incomplete without witnessing the grandeur and sacredness of the Barong and Rangda Dance. More than just an art performance, this Balinese dance drama is an intangible cultural heritage that is full of philosophical and spiritual meaning, telling the story of the eternal battle between good and evil.
Strengthening and promoting the Barong and Rangda Dance as a unique Balinese cultural identity is the key to preserving the noble values and profound tourism attractions.
The Barong and Rangda Dance are symbolic representations of two opposing yet complementary forces in Balinese cosmology. Barong, with the form of a four-legged mythological creature, is often depicted with a majestic lion’s head, thick, brightly colored fur, and agile and energetic movements. He symbolizes goodness, the protector of the village, and the positive power that maintains the harmony of the universe.
Meanwhile, Rangda appears as a terrifying woman with long flowing hair, sharp fangs, bulging eyes, and a long protruding tongue. He is the personification of evil, the source of disease, and the negative forces that threaten balance.
The Barong and Rangda Dance performances usually begin with scenes depicting the daily lives of the Balinese people, often interspersed with humor and interaction with the audience. However, the core of this performance is the dramatic confrontation between Barong and Rangda. Their fight is not just a physical battle, but a representation of the eternal struggle between dharma (truth) and adharma (untruth) that is always present in human life.
The costumes and masks worn by the dancers have sacred value and are made with great care through a certain ritual process. The Barong mask, with its charismatic facial expression and intricate carvings, is believed to have magical powers. Likewise, the scary Rangda mask exudes a strong mystical aura. The gamelan music that accompanies the performance, with its dynamic rhythm and distinctive melody, further enlivens the sacred and dramatic atmosphere.
Usually, the sacred masks are given a pasupati or given a religious-magical ritual procession at the cemetery. This procession is carried out at midnight and the dancers are not far from each mask. Of course, this is preceded by a ritual at Merajapati Temple, a temple at the head of the cemetery. After there are magical signs or light descending from the sky, the mask placed on the support pole will be taken by the dancer to the temple where the ceremony takes place.
The dance movements in Barong and Rangda also have their own symbolic meaning. Barong’s agile and energetic movements symbolize the spirit of life and joy. Meanwhile, Rangda’s graceful but threatening movements reflect destructive power. The interaction between these two figures, with intense chases and resistance, amazes the audience and conveys a message about the importance of fighting evil and maintaining goodness.
More than just entertainment, the Barong and Rangda Dances have deep social and spiritual functions for the Balinese people. This performance is often staged in traditional and religious ceremonies as a form of offering and warding off disaster. It is believed that the presence of Barong can bring good luck and protect the village from Rangda’s bad influence. Through this performance, moral and spiritual values about good, evil, balance, and harmony continue to be instilled in the younger generation.
As a priceless cultural heritage, Barong and Rangda Dance has a strong appeal for both foreign and domestic tourists. The uniqueness of the costumes, expressive masks, stunning gamelan music, and the universal story of eternal battle make it an unforgettable performing arts experience.
Watching Barong and Rangda Dance provides a deeper understanding of the philosophy of life and beliefs of the Balinese people, enriching the cultural tourism experience.
To strengthen and promote Barong and Rangda Dance as a sacred performing arts heritage, several efforts can be made:
- Regeneration of Dancers and Musicians: Encourage the younger generation to learn and inherit the dance and gamelan music that accompanies Barong and Rangda through formal and informal education.
- Preservation of Sacred Costumes and Properties: Maintain and preserve costumes, masks, and performance properties by following the applicable rules and rituals.
- Improving the Quality of Performances: Developing the quality of performances in terms of artistry and narrative to make them more attractive to tourists without losing their sacred essence.
- Education for Tourists: Providing accurate and interesting information about the meaning of philosophical and spiritual behind the Barong and Rangda Dance performances.
- Support for the Arts Community: Providing support to art studios and communities that actively preserve and develop the Barong and Rangda Dances.
- Sustainable Tourism Development: Ensuring that tourism promotion of the Barong and Rangda Dances does not erode the sacred values and traditions inherent in them.
With planned and sustainable efforts, the Barong and Rangda Dances will continue to shine as a sacred performing arts heritage that is captivating and full of meaning. It is not only a captivating tourist attraction, but also a guardian of the noble values and cultural identity of the Balinese people amidst the current of modernization.
Witnessing the eternal battle between good and evil in the Barong and Rangda Dances is a spiritual and artistic journey that will leave a deep impression on every visitor to the Island of the Gods. (*)
