Gunungkidul Regency Holds Kethoprak Festival to Preserve Traditional Arts

The Government of Gunungkidul Regency is holding a Regency-Level Kethoprak Festival 2026 as an effort to preserve traditional arts while introducing them to the younger generation. Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih stated on Tuesday that the festival, held at the Gunungkidul Cultural Centre Auditorium, is intended to serve as both entertainment and an educational spectacle for the public, free of charge. “This festival is also a medium for guidance and a reminder of our national identity,” Endah said. According to her, kethoprak performances are rich in historical value, serving as a learning medium for the community while reminding them of the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. “Through this festival, it is hoped that the potential of local artists, especially the youth, can be honed so that the art of kethoprak does not vanish with time,” she added. Meanwhile, Head of the Gunungkidul Culture Office Agung Danarto stated that the festival is the local government’s commitment to ensuring kethoprak remains sustainable and appealing, particularly to the younger generation. The festival runs from Monday, 6 July, until its peak on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. Danarto explained that the event refers to Law Number 13 of 2012 on the Special Status of Yogyakarta, the DIY Regional Regulation on Cultural Preservation, and Gunungkidul Regency Regulation Number 6 of 2021. This year’s festival carries a specific historical theme, ‘Mataram After the Giyanti Agreement’. The performances staged depict the historical journey of Mataram from the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, involving 18 contingents from all sub-districts in Gunungkidul Regency. In addition to determining the overall champion from first to fifth place, the committee will also award prizes for best director, best scriptwriter, best musical arrangement, best lead actor and actress, best supporting actor, and best costume and makeup.