Wednesday, January 8, 2014

THE ESSENCE OF SENGGAKAN IN DANGDUT KOPLO AS MUSICAL IDENTITES



 Michael HB Raditya
michael.raditya@gmail.com



Abstract


In its development, Dangdut has been evolving in line with the globalization era, the society preference and the cultural pattern. The current performance of Dangdut Koplo has many new elements. Its interesting element is called the Senggakan. In each musical performance showed by the Melayu orchestra, the Senggakan plays major function. The Senggakan provides beats and unique touch that make Dangdut Koplo distinct from Dangdut in terms of its musicality. The success of Dangdut Koplo is caused due to the existence of habitus society, i.e. the Senggakan and the Senggakan habitus owned by Javanese society. That habitus has the implication to the existing interaction. The participation on Senggakan bears the existence of Dangdut Koplo. After scrutinizing further, the Senggakan is functioned and equipped by the society as cultural and musical expression. Moreover, the Senggakan also circulates social and cultural essences for the society. The Senggakan becomes accordingly the musical and cultural identity of the society observing Dangdut Koplo.

Keywords: Senggakan; Dangdut Koplo; identity; habitus; essence                                   



INTRODUCTION
            Dangdut Koplo was created during the 90’s, and became famous after the Soeharto-era. It was first known in East Java, although its specific origin remains unknown. Prediction of its development in East Java was related to the most dominant music instrument to be exact kendang’s beat pattern. Weintraub (2010:252) states that West Java’s Jaipong kendangan is introduced to Easy Java in the 80’s and has develop in East Java music with an East Java sense. Therefore, it could not be denied that its development has spread widely. Dangdut Koplo’s is likened for its fast and dominant music with kendang Dangdut beat.
In music factor, Dangdut Koplo is compact with numerous musical influences, including rock, house, Dangdut and jaipongan. Dangdut Koplo’s accompaniment is dominated with “kendang” Dangdut sonant “dang”. “Dang” is more dominant than “dut”, this sonant is produced by shifting the hand at kendang’s membrane. The impact that happens when “dang” is more dominant makes the atmosphere more festive. Author’s vision on the domination of “dang” in Dangdut Koplo also gives difference with Dangdut that is dominated by “dut”. The sound difference gives its own dancing space in Dangdut. While, Dangdut Koplo gives more Senggakans such as “dum plak ting ting joss”, “yok ya”, “ek ya” or “asik asik” even “bukan sitik joss”. Oftentimes, Senggakan is followed by dancers’ erotic movement. The barrage unites in giving different color in Dangdut Koplo; differentiating Dangdut Koplo with Dangdut. Vision of this musical identification became one aspect that makes type writer curious, moreover specific detail such as Senggakan.
In its shows’ application, Dangdut Koplo could also be found in Yogyakarta. Purawisata – an entertainment stage – offers Dangdut Koplo performance. Basically Dangdut Koplo was introduced in 2002, but its existence was established in 2006. In 2006, Dangdut Koplo entered Yogyakarta, but it still contends with Dangdut. Then on 2009 Dangdut Koplo occupy a strong position in its shows. Nowadays, Dangdut Koplo became the basis of Dangdut performance.
In its practice Senggakan is rarely noticed. Senggakan is considered to create a bustling atmosphere so the show becomes more festive and carried away. Senggakan could be translated as a complement. But could fans enjoy Dangdut Koplo without its Senggakan?  When enjoying Dangdut Koplo show, countless Senggakan happens. This explains that Senggakan has a bigger meaning then the nature of Senggakan itself. A Dangdut Koplo show without Senggakan would be unimaginable.
This explains that Senggakan in Dangdut Koplo has a bigger meaning than Senggakan’s nature itself. Dangdut Koplo without Senggakan would not be imaginable. This Dangdut Koplo musicality become a problem for the writer. How does the performer (musician and singer) and audience view the essence of Senggakan as a musical identification? How does Senggakan happen and become the identity of Dangdut Koplo? How is the relation between Senggakan’s production patterns with audinces’ acceptance pattern?
            The main purpose of this research is to know Dangdut Koplo’s mucical character and in normal Dangdut; Comprehension on type of Senggakan that occurs in Dangdut Koplo functionally and the function of Senggakan in Dangdut Koplo for the community/viewer; Comprehension on how far is Senggakan’s development in Koplo – from the performance essence that they show. Confirmation that Senggakan differentiate Dangdut Koplo and Dangdut.
            The result of this research is expected to be a new discourse material beneficial for those who seek information, and to those who concentrate in Ethnomusicology, Anthropology, and other branch of knowledge. Result of this research could reference to society about Dangdut, especially studies about Dangdut Koplo. Moreover, hopefully this paper could give new understanding about Senggakan in Dangdut Koplo. 
Similar discussion could not be found in several books, thesis, and dissertation that discuss about the same theme.  Previous paper only discuss about Dangdut in sense, in development and in function, but study about the same discussion as in this paper could not be found. Researcher that study Dangdut such as Andrew Weintraub in its book “Dangdut Stories”.  This book tell in depth about Dangdut’s journey from the beginning of its formation until know. This explanation is elaborated with ongoing social context just like politic, social, and involve local’s power role in producing Dangdut with new interpretation.
            Furthermore a dissertation from Michael Hari Sasongko titled “Perubahan Wujud Penayangan dan Makna Musik Dangdut di TPI dan Indosiar 1994-2004”, Program Studi Pengkajian Seni Pertunjukan dan Seni Rupa, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 2006. This dissertation discuss about transformation of Dangdut show performance itself. This transformation is considered a phenomenon to the writer; meaning transformation from Dangdut itself as dance, become spectacular, in line with happening context such as transformation in fashion style, stage, and a more systematical show.
            In a more specific problem, other thesis from Dyah Murwaningrum titled “Senggakan sebagai  Permainan Vokal dalam Lengger Banyumasan di Jawa Tengah”.  Program Studi Pengkajian Seni Pertunjukan dan Seni Rupa UGM, 2006.UGM, 2012. This thesis discuss about Senggakan as one of the important element in Gendhing Banyumasan. Senggakan is considered as spirit in the show. In a show Senggakan construct a festive atmosphere that becomes climax.  Senggakan occurs based on musical and non musical factor. Musical factor comes from Gendhing that occurs, while non musical factor is the actor, culture, and the show context.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In analyzing a Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music, one analytical tool to be used herein is Pierre Bourdieu's theory on Habitus. In his book “Outline of a Theory Practice”, Pierre Bourdieu explains that the elements of Practice, Habitus, Capital and Field are integral and intertwined parts. In his research on the element of Practice, Bourdieu argues that all the social lives are essentially practical in nature as they are existent in time and space, and unconsciously, are organized and mobilized (1977:78). According to Bourdieu, the element of Habitus is the result of practical skills which are implemented into actions and are not necessarily realized, in which it further becomes a driving source in a particular social environment. In that regard, the Senggakan has its own habitus in its implementation. The existing Habitus derives from the creators of the Senggakan which has different meaning in itself.
The other tool to be used in analyzing the Senggakan is the theory by Thomas Turino. The music and social dance is influenced by the subjectivity of individuals, social groups and social interaction of musicians. And this is related to Music as a form of social life, which is also divided into such parts as participation and presentation, "where if viewed as a form of participation, it means that people are able to take part therein such as in dancing. Whereas, if viewed as a form of presentation, all we could do is just watching" (2008:26). This theory is used in observing the presentation of the Senggakan as found in the Dangdut Koplo music, and three parties, which are musicians, singers and audience, have correlation during the Senggakan.
The theory of participation and presentation shall be necessary in observing the Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music. The participation and presentation value shall be important when the Senggakan is performed and responded, and the music tempo coming out of it ends up in joged or dancing.
Further observing of the Senggakan is supported with a utilization and function theory by Allan P. Merriam. Music has an important function in social life. Music is not created from nothingness; it provides an explanation and understanding to a large group of people as it is dealing with the emotional existing among the people and it has deeper functions in the social and public life. Similar function is also found in the existence of the Senggakan  (1984:222-226). The Senggakan invloves  some emotional values when performed, which is evident in the reaction as demonstrated the by the people involved therein. The Senggakan has now been considered important in the society.
Music is a part of the community, and of utility value in the society. The utility value of an art is closely associated with a context in the society, and it is similar with a spiritual aspects as contained in a religion. In that regard, the Senggakan also has utility value which is deemed important in the society. The fucntion of the Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music is interpreted more profoundly in the society. The Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music serves as manifestation of the social processes through the existing cultural bonds. The cultural bonds form cultural identity (1984:210). In its existence, the Senggakan is created with different interpretation.  The identity thereof is therefore made known by seeing the extent of the essence of the Senggakan in its continuity. The meaning contained therein has earned the Senggakan identity value of the Dangdut Koplo musicality. The identity value is based upon the value of Habitus and the existing local interpretation.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methodology applied in this research is ethnography. Spreadley (1997:5) defines ethnography as a type of cultural research purported to comprehend how people interact and cooperate through the phenomena observed in people’s daily life. In addition, Spreadley also argues that ethnography is a method that describes the organization of human mind which contains culture. The writing of this research is composed using a descriptive-analytical way. This writing is accordingly able to present a new understanding to the readers. This research is a qualitative research. Therefore, the role of the key informant is deemed pivotal in responding the research questions.
Participative observation will be conducted to discover how Dangdut Koplo phenomena using the Senggakan perspective in its performance is seen. The research will be located in Purawisata, Yogyakarta. In the context of Senggakan, the entire locations can be employed for its performance due to the existence of Senggakan. Besides, participative observation is aimed to directly engage in informant daily activities, both in the public or private sector.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Essentially, the use of the word "Senggakan" in the Dangdut Koplo music has already become a form of unconscious influential culture in the society. The term Senggakan has has a strong essence as seen in the application thereof in the Dangdut Koplo music. Based upon the essence as known by the musicians, ,  not only does the Senggakan serve as variations in their rmusical performance, but also a characteristic in all forms of the musical performances  and repertoire. The musicians have unwittingly had knowledge about the Senggakan when they listen to the karawitan music, thus resulting in similar musicalelements.
The Senggakan which in essence is the karawitan musical elements has given a new taste in the world of Dangdut music. The majority musicians of the Dangdut Koplo come from the land of Java are aware of this phenomea. Thus, the essence of the Senggakan has been implanted in the minds of the musicians as the performers of a show.
The musicians’ knowledge of the Senggakan is realized in the performance of the Dangdut Koplo song repertoire. Nevertheless, the musicians should rehearse to adapt themselves as the consequence of the insertion of the Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music. During the insertion of the Senggakan therein, it is evident that learning process is obtained through listening to songs to be performed. The musicians will learn and rehearse continuouslyto perfectly perform the Senggakan (Bourdieu, 1977:223). From the above reference, there have been models or examples to be followed in the performance of the Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music, however, in its continuity, the performance of the Senggakan is still based upon the intepretation and habitus of the involving parties (Richter, 2012:88).
The Habitus has a very strong role in developing the knowledge and experiencing habituation. Such art as the Senggakan in the Dangdut Koplo music may well established based upon the experience which helps interpret an issue, for the interest of the musicians and audience as well. In that regard, it is implied that in practice the Senggakan is not as easy as it may seem, in which, the Senggakan has its own essence and history in its performance. Murwaningrum (2012:1) states that the Senggakan as a musical phenomenon is emerging as a voluntary response which is generally triggered by previous action or situation, whether musical or not. The Senggakan does merely not stop in responding the existing issues but will respond  once again in a sustainable manner and at a point which will eventually cease. The Senggakan is typically used to support the creation of a bustling atmosphere. The Senggakan seems to appear in the fullest liberty of action as a response to the existing situation.
Interactions which are established among singers, musicians and audience have formed the source of life in the perormance thereof. Participation of the audience is very important in the performance. Even the audience in 3 types of rows do participate in the music being played in their own  interpretation. Although the audience in the front, middle and back rows are divided based upon the way they enjoy the performance, the interaction is established whether explicitly or implicitly as the form of expression in the relevant situation. Participation of each element in the performance is a symbol indicating the success delivery of the message and meaning thereof and is interpreted by the audience through the Senggakan, shouting and dancing. Participation and interaction are important parts which create the sustainability of the Dangdut Koplo music, as represented by the Senggakan, and form a unity in the the Dangdut Koplo music as a whole (Turino, 2008:26).
The Senggakan also grows stronger as the essence contained therein affects the community. It involves profound function and utility, as found in the Senggakan as the tool of emotional expression, aesthetic appreciation, entertainment, communication, symbol, physical reactions, related to social norms, social institutions legalization and part of the ceremony, cultural continuation and community integrity (Merriam , 1984:223). From the utility point of view, the Senggakan runs with its own context, which is similar to culture, social and economic. There is more value in the insertion of the Senggakan in a musical performance.
            From the above reference, the Senggakan forms an identity, be it musicality or contextuality, in the Dangdut Koplo music. The Senggakan has become an identity due to legitimacy given by a large groups of community, and it can be traced back to the community habitus. Unwittingly, the community has established the Senggakan as the most important part in the sustainability of the Dangdut Koplo music. Refers to as the identity shall be the same experience both culturally or socially, and the same is owned by both individuals and groups (Merriam, 1984:210). The similarity shall form a communal legitimacy upon any subject matter, and in this case, the subject matter is the Senggakan which is the identity of the Dangdut Koplo music (Hall, 1990:28). Identity constantly evolves and survives because of the habitus of the relevant community. Essentially, when people consider anything as having an identity but without any associated habitus, it will be considered as a mere surface and contain no more than a mere interpretation.
            The Senggakan in its continuity has become powerful, and is no longer loud cries. It forms an integral part of drums, shouting, dancing and other musical instruments. In its music, the Senggakan obtains its strength for its integrity and mutual reinforcement between one element and the other in its survival. The Senggakan has its strong influence in the Dangdut Koplo music due to the habitus of the supportive community, increasing interaction of the Senggakan, the important function and utility of the Senggakan in the community, and as the identity of the Dangdut Koplo music and community.

CONCLUSION
            In sum, the existence of Senggakan applied on Dangdut Koplo has been integrated with other elements, such as kendang, goyang, and other musical instruments. This integration creates one new character whose existence subsequently becomes a particular type of Senggakan applied on DangdutKoplo. This can happen due to the habitus similarity between the performer and the audience. Habitus is also a cause of the emergence between the production pattern and the acceptance pattern of the audience. The success of the transmission is signalized by the participation of the audience in witnessing the performance of Senggakan. The Senggakan has now adays been more essential to the society due to its function andits use for the society. Consequently, the Senggakan becomes the Dangdut Koplo musical identity as well as the cultural identity of the society who enjoys theDangdutKoplo.

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