The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and the Svara Irama Nusantara Foundation initiated the 2023 Keroncong Svaranusa performance in Kediri Regency, East Java. Previously, it was successful in the first events in Magelang, Solo and Semarang. This time, it will be held again in the Tugu Market Area, Simpang Lima Gumul, Kediri Regency, on 27-28 October 2023.
Ahmad Mahendra, Director of Film, Music and Media, Ministry of Education and Culture, explained that the aim of the performance was broader regarding the development of keroncong music, industrial growth and empowered artists. Mahendra said that keroncong artists on the islands of Java and Kalimantan want encouragement not just to display their work but to hold superior festivals in the keroncong field. Apart from that, according to Mahendra, young people now have the creativity to play keroncongan styles with their characteristics.
Chairman of the Committee, Ibnu Amar Muchsin MA, said this performance aims to develop keroncong music. This lecturer at the Music Arts Education Study Program, Faculty of Language and Arts, UNNES, said that Svaranusa was held not just to preserve original Indonesian music but had a mission to develop and industrialize keroncong music.
In line with the community’s wishes, the Ministry of Education and Culture holds Svaranusa 2023 with the theme “Bhinneka Tunggal Irama”. The performance began with a workshop with keroncong artists from Kediri Raya, including the districts and cities of Kediri, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, Jombang, Malang and Blitar. The workshop discussion presented speakers Ade Bhakti Ariawan, Dedi Novaldi, and Daviq Maulana, guided by moderator Mustika Andini.
Mahendra said the workshop discussion focused on the development of keroncong music, BPJS Employment for artists, and how keroncong music performers have iconic festivals in each city. Agus Budiono, keroncong artist and chairman of PAMORI Kediri, also expressed the same thing.
The second day of Svaranusa in the Tugu Simpang Lima Gumul Market intersection area presented community keroncong groups including, Keroncong Triyasa Orchestra, Patria Keroncong Orchestra, Gita Abadi Keroncong Orchestra, Pare String Assamble feat Prigel. While the event’s highlight, the Keroncong Svaranusa Symphony Orchestra presented 12 beautiful arrangements with Indonesian musicians, namely Okky Kumalasari, Donnie Sibbarani, and Hendra Kumbara.
Hanindhito Himawan Pramana, Regent of Kediri, was also grateful because Kediri was chosen to hold Keroncong Svaranusa 2023 and witnessed the growth of keroncong music. Hanindhito appreciates young people changing the stigma of keroncong as the music of older adults. Hanindhito hopes that Kediri Regency will produce regional keroncong musicians who will contribute to the music industry in the country and even the world. Kediri Regency is giving its best for the smooth running of Svaranusa 2023 and the development of keroncong in East Java and Kediri. (Press release Kemendikbud/ Winarsih/*)
