Pagelaran Ketoprak Joko Kendil - Dies Natalis Ke-61 FIB Undip

Recap

The video opens with traditional songs and music, followed by prayers and welcoming speeches for the 61st anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Diponegoro University. The dean introduces the performance as a celebration of Javanese culture and its values of honesty, simplicity, and sincerity. The main event is a Ketoprak play about Jaka Kendil, performed by faculty members, students, and the Sri Mulya Ketoprak group.

Jaka is born with an unusual appearance after Dewi Kumbini persuades a sage to curse the unborn child of Duke Sindunagara and his wife, Andari. Though Jaka grows up mocked for looking like a cooking pot, he is kind-hearted and devoted to his mother. His chance at love comes when Princess Widyawati loses a brooch and vows to marry whoever finds it. Jaka finds it and later asks to marry her, but other nobles ridicule his appearance and compete for the princess themselves.

The story blends romance and adventure with palace intrigue. Jaka must face rival dukes and complete difficult tests, while Patih Reksanata schemes around the princess. Widyawati’s willingness to accept Jaka for who he is proves decisive: the curse is broken, and Jaka transforms into a handsome, capable young man. His true identity and noble background are revealed, and the play ends with the couple’s love vindicated.

A major highlight is the show’s playful, modern comic style. Characters weave academic-life references into the royal setting, mentioning lecturers, study programs, university politics, CCTV, and video calls. A discussion of gender equality turns into wordplay about “pecel gendar,” while another comic exchange confuses event dates and cultural observances. The performance also features sung passages, dance, and lively audience reactions, giving the classic tale a festive campus twist.

Personalities and Characters

• Jaka Kendil / Jaka Purnama
• Princess Widyawati
• Duke of Arga Payung
• Dewi Kumbini
• Andari
• Patih Reksanata
• Resi (the sage)
• Duke Hendrajaya
• Brata Manggala
• Kertajaya
• The event hosts and the dean of FIB Undip