Sejarah Pelestarian Kesenian Tongklek dalam Semarak Ramadan di Kabupaten Tuban (1998-2025)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the preservation of Tongklek art in the vibrancy of Ramadan in Tuban Regency in the period 1998-2025. The method used is qualitative descriptive with a historical approach through heuristic, verification, interpretation, and historiography stages, and is supported by literature studies, observations, and interviews. The results of the study show that the art of Tongklek began from the tradition of patrol as a social activity of the community who used kentongan, then evolved into a more structured performing art. Its development is influenced by socio-cultural factors, such as the value of togetherness, religiosity, and community and organizational support, especially PC IPNU IPPNU Tuban Regency, through the implementation of the Tongklek festival. In the period 1998-2025, Tongklek underwent a significant transformation from a simple form to a more modern, creative, and competitive performance, characterized by innovations in instruments, arrangements, costumes, and an increasingly wide scale of performance. Nevertheless, traditional elements are still maintained as the main identity. Thus, the preservation of Tongklek reflects a balance between efforts to preserve local cultural heritage and adaptation to the times.