Karangasem, On the Wallace Line

Karangasem to Perform war Dance

The Gebug Ende dance can only found in Karangasem. This war dance, a legacy of the kingdom of Karangasem, is not only popular in Bali, but also other regions including foreign countries. This Karangasem’s Gebug Ende already succeeded twice as the 2nd and 1st winner, in the traditional sports competition at national level in Jakarta. Gebug Ende is performed by two men, skilful in dodging their opponent’s rattan stick. They carry a shield or tameng (Ende) for self-defence. This dance will be staged at the Opening Parade of PKB on 14 June.

Besides the war dance, Karangasem is also known for many traditional and unique customs such as the performance of the young couple with geringsing woven costumes, the traditional costume of Bungaya Village with its karah cloth. This deha (young couple) will also perform at the PKB Opening Parade.
The Gebug Ende dance was packed as an art, and performed as an additional show in the Joged Bumbung performance that impressed the audience. Sekaa Joged of Bungkulan Village of West Seraya made the audience laugh or hold their breath with excitement to see two men dodging or hitting each other and sometimes drawing blood.
Besides that, there are more arts whether sacred, ancient or unique that will be performed by Karangasem Regency in PKB, one of them being the music group of Bangle Village. This Sekaa has unique musical instruments. Whereas Balinese traditional musical instruments are made from metal, this Sekaa, from the empty and infertile hills of Abang sub district uses the coconut shell as their music instrument. This music is called Gong Beruk. This instrument is considered an ancient instrument, perhaps the only one in Bali.
Karangasem will also perform children’s and adults, gong kebyar, wayang kulit (leather puppet) from Wanasari Village, Sidemen, Prembon mask, Genjek Stress from Sekaa Genjek of Jasri Village, Janger Dag performed by Indrakila Studio, Manggis, Calon Arang dance-drama of Besang Village, and not forgetting the Joged dance and its pengibing (dancer). Karangasem also follows the arts and handicraft exhibition, which usually presents characteristic handicrafts, such as plaited work made from ate and bamboo, and garments in the form of songket or pegringsingan cloths. (BTN/krs-bud)