“ISIM” DAN “ISI” DALAM PERSEMBAHAN SENI PERMAINAN KUDA KEPANG

Abstract

The art of “permainan” Kuda Kepang is a type of dance that goes through a ritual process before reaching a trance state during the performance. The current study focuses on the keywords “isim” and “isi, which refers to the form of practice taken and performed by Kuda Kepang players. This investigation focuses on the relationship between the possession of “isim” within the player and the filling of “isi” in the Kuda Kepang equipment to realize the presence of the trance state during the performance. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the factors contributing to the occurrence of the trance state during the performance. The data in this research were obtained through field studies with four active Kuda Kepang groups in the state of Johor. The content and factors that cause the trance state are analysed based on the philosophy of the Kuda Kepang game containing the relevant element. The qualitative research design produced data obtained from observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the investigation show that players who experience the trance state possess “isim”, while the performance equipment used has “isi”. The trance state has a close relationship with the ritual process performed before the performance, which is also related to the possession factor of “isim” and “isi”. Without “isim” within the player and “isi” in the music equipment, the trance state during the performance would not occur, even if the ritual has been performed. This study highlights the importance of “isim” and “isi” in the success of the ritual process and the occurrence of the trance state. Further research can be conducted on the possession of “isim” and the content of the “isi” in Kuda Kepang performances.