A small migrant community safeguards Central Java’s cultural heritage through art, unity, and persistence.
In Singapore, a dedicated group of Banyumas migrants is working quietly yet passionately to ensure their cultural roots continue to thrive far from home. Through regular gatherings, performances, and community support, they have built a space where tradition remains alive across borders.
A Community Built on Tradition
The Banyumas Arts Association Singapore Regional Chapter, known locally as PSB, serves as a cultural home for migrants from Central Java. Led by chairperson Yuliani, the group has grown into a supportive community where members gather monthly at various locations across Singapore to practice and perform traditional Banyumas arts.
Keeping Heritage Alive Through Performance
Despite having only around 20 active participants, PSB consistently performs at community events. Their presence is especially valued during Indonesian Embassy programs, where they showcase cultural expressions such as ebeg, calung, and lengger. These performances help reinforce the vibrant identity of Banyumas people living abroad.
Challenges of Practicing Arts Overseas
Practicing traditional arts in a fast-paced city like Singapore comes with obstacles. Access to rehearsal spaces, transporting instruments, and coordinating schedules can be difficult. Musical instruments and costumes are stored at the home of a committee member fondly called ibu lurah and are moved to different venues each month. Still, members’ enthusiasm continues to fuel their commitment.
Cultural Roots Strengthened Through Teaching
Many members, including those from Jeruklegi and Kebumen who share the ngapak dialect, join PSB not only to perform but also to learn. With a background in traditional dance from the Indonesian Arts Vocational School, Yuliani teaches basic techniques to fellow migrants. Her leadership has helped keep the group cohesive and artistically active.
Giving Back to Their Homeland
Beyond cultural preservation, PSB also engages in community support initiatives. Members routinely set aside part of their income to aid families in Java, including those affected by landslides in Majenang. This social role reinforces their bonds with home while strengthening solidarity among migrants.
Pride in a Living Tradition
During a recent visit to Central Java, Yuliani attended an ebeg performance in Purwokerto and expressed pride in seeing strong public appreciation for traditional arts. She emphasized that preserving Banyumas culture abroad is far more than a pastime for migrants. It is a personal responsibility and a way to stay emotionally connected to their homeland.
The Enduring Spirit of Banyumas
Banyumas culture is rooted in communal values, humor, and resilience, traits reflected in its folk arts and in the determination of migrants who carry these traditions with them. Through PSB’s efforts, these artistic expressions continue to thrive not only in their native villages but also among diaspora communities in Singapore.
The efforts of PSB Singapore show how cultural identity can flourish even far from home. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the group’s activities highlight the importance of cultural exchange, community support, and preserving heritage in an increasingly global society.
Sources: RRI (2025)
Keywords: Banyumas Arts, Ebeg Dance, Calung Ensemble, Lengger Dance, Indonesian Workers In Singapore
