TIMES AUSTRALIA, MALANG – Malang has long been celebrated as a refreshing escape, a vibrant tourism city drawing visitors with its cool climate and scenic attractions. Beyond the popular destinations lies a rich tapestry of arts and culture, and perhaps the most compelling thread in this fabric is the ancient and captivating tradition of Topeng Malangan.

The history of Topeng Malangan is far grander and more ancient than many realize. It's not just a heritage of the modern city but also a profound cultural legacy that predates the very existence of Malang as we know it, reaching back into the era of powerful East Javanese kingdoms.

According to historical and cultural records, this compelling masked art form was already a vital part of tradition during the Kanjuruhan Kingdom a realm that flourished centuries before the current era of Malang.

From 760 AD

The earliest documented manifestation of this art, dating back to around 760 AD, wasn't a performance but a sacred ritual known as the Sedara Ritual. This ceremony held deep religious and filial significance.

This ritual was specifically conducted as a tribute to Prabu Gajayana's father, Dewasima. Prabu Gajayana, the most famous ruler of Kanjuruhan, participated in the Sedara ritual by wearing a golden mask. This act was not theatrical; it was a powerful, personal symbol of his profound devotion and respect for his departed father.

The tradition that was originally held only for sacred matters turned into an art with the purpose of entertainment. Kings and monarch were expected to be able to learn this art. Over time, Topeng Malangan spread widely in Southeast Asia with various local adaptations.

Asmoro Bangun: The Family Forge of Malang's Masked Tradition

A framed display of three distinct Topeng Malangan characters including the fierce Klono Sewandono and Demang Mundu). (Photo: Muhamad Kamal Fasya/TIMES Indonesia)

If Topeng Malangan is the soul of ancient Malang, then Padepokan Asmoro Bangun is its dedicated sanctuary. This renowned art center, located in the quiet village of Kedungmonggo, Pakisaji, Malang, is not just a studio—it is the living epicenter for the preservation and development of this irreplaceable masked dance tradition.

Padepokan Asmoro Bangun was formally established in 1982 by the revered figure Mbah Karimun. A true cultural hero, Mbah Karimun dedicated his entire life solely to the promotion and protection of this heritage art form, ensuring that the legacy of the masks would survive and thrive for future generations.

Now Padepokan Asmoro Bangun is being managed by Tri Handoyono. He is the third generation of Mbah Karimun's descendants. As a dedicated traditional preservationist, Handoyono continues to expand the creation of Malangan masks, ensuring that the foundational craft remains robust.

"An art  must remain relevant and constantly evolve in order to be accepted by the public, such as through the renewal of performance elements like costume variety and the duration of the show," Tri remarked.

The Malangan Topeng Dance was only held once every 36 days on Senin-Legi, but nowadays it is held as entertainment such as at speeches, seminars, and festivals. The changes and development of this creation were done by Tri Handoyo through a long mediation process as a tribute to the ancestors.

Keeping the Culture

As the third-generation torchbearer of this ancient tradition, Handoyono understands that he is not just carving wood. The guy is safeguarding the narrative of a kingdom and the soul of a people.

His efforts from patiently instructing young apprentices to subtly refreshing performance styles are all driven by this singular focus: to keep the heartbeat of Topeng Malangan strong, proving that true legacy is found in the relentless commitment to continuity.

In spite of being a dance performer, Tri Handoyo also produces unfortunate masks as valuable products. Starting from souvenirs, key chains become an unmissable thing for tourists.

"This is the main source of income in developing the dance studio's operations," he said. With three skilled craftsmen, they are free to create characters according to the character typology in the Panji Asmoro story.

Unraveling the Story of Panji Asmoro Bangun: A Javanese Epic of Love

Tri Handoyono continues the creation of mask malangan. (Photo: Muhamad Kamal Fasya/TIMES Indonesia)

The true magic of Topeng Malangan is found in its narrative core that is a theatrical piece artfully wrapped in traditional dance. At the heart of this performance is the ancient and beloved tale of Panji Asmoro Bangun and Dewi Sekartaji, a story that has shaped Javanese culture for centuries.

This is a grand epic of pursuit and devotion. Panji is a noble prince from the Kingdom of Jenggala, who embarks on a quest to win the love of Dewi Sekartaji, a beautiful princess of the rival Kingdom of Kediri.

Their story is brought vividly to life through the dynamic and expressive movements of the masked performers. The journey to reunion is far from easy. Panji faces a multitude of challenges, testing his resolve against both external adversaries and his own inner difficulties and emotional turmoil.

Ultimately, after overcoming every obstacle the epic reaches its happy conclusion. Panji successfully manages to resolve all the problems related to power, duty, and his own emotions.

The lovers are finally reunited. And the tale ends with the timeless joy of two loving hearts finding peace together.

This journey of Panji, represented by the most serene and noble mask in the Topeng Malangan repertoire, teaches lessons of perseverance, emotional mastery, and the enduring power of true love. (*)