Transformation and Commodification of the Meras Gandrung Ritual Culture as a Cultural Identity of Banyuwangi

Abstract

Meras Gandrung is a ritual carried out by the Banyuwangi community to mark the readiness to become a Gandrung dancer. Along with the development of the times, the Meras Gandrung ritual has undergone a process of transformation and commodification which has more or less shifted several aspects of the Meras Gandrung ritual. The purpose of this study is to describe the Meras Gandrung ritual, the transformation that occurs in the Meras Gandrung ritual and the commodification that occurs in the Meras Gandrung ritual. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research type. Data collection techniques through unstructured interviews, observations and relevant literature reviews. The results of this study indicate that the Meras Gandrung ritual is part of the culture in Banyuwangi as a sign that a Gandrung dancer is ready to become a Gandrung dancer and enter society. Everyone can become a Gandrung dancer but not everyone can become Gandrung. The Meras Gandrung ritual is a sign that someone has gone through various processes and is ready to graduate as a Gandrung dancer. The Meras Gandrung ritual has undergone a transformation along with the development of the times. The transformation process includes the learning process of prospective Gandrung and the shifting function of the Meras Gandrung ritual. Not only undergoing transformation, the Meras Gandrung ritual also undergoes commodification. The commodification process makes the Meras Gandrung ritual a commercial performance. Commodification in the context of the Banyuwangi Meras Gandrung ritual refers to the process in which the cultural practice becomes an object for commercial or marketing purposes.