Dayu Dwi Hardyawanti, Raisha Anindhita Putri, Amelia Fatimah Azzahra, Lidia Dwi Safitri

From Seblang to Gandrung: The Uniqueness of Banyuwangi Culture as a Tourism Attraction

Introduction

From seblang to gandrung: the uniqueness of banyuwangi culture as a tourism attraction. Explore Banyuwangi's unique culture through Seblang and Gandrung dances. Discover their transformation from sacred rituals to tourism icons, preserving local identity and attracting visitors.

Abstract

This article examines the uniqueness of Banyuwangi culture through the transformation and relationship between Gandrung Dance and Seblang Dance as the main tourist attraction in the region. The research uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach to explore the dynamics, meaning, and function of the two dances in the context of cultural tourism. The results of the study show that Seblang Dance, which is sacred and ritual in nature, became the forerunner of Gandrung Dance which now develops as an entertainment dance and more open social media and becomes an icon of Banyuwangi tourism. This transformation reflects the adaptation of local culture to social change and tourism needs. Apart from being a tourist attraction, these two dances also play an important role in preserving traditional values and strengthening the identity of the Using community. However, the process of commercialization and packaging Gandrung as a tourist product also brings its own challenges, especially in maintaining the sacredness and original meaning of the two arts. This article concludes that the preservation and development of Gandrung Dance and Seblang Dance are very important for the sustainability of local culture and the strengthening of sustainable cultural tourism in Banyuwangi.

Review

This article presents an insightful examination into the cultural dynamics of Banyuwangi, focusing on the Seblang and Gandrung Dances as pivotal tourism attractions. Utilizing a qualitative methodology underpinned by a literature review approach, the research effectively traces the transformation and interrelationship between these two significant cultural expressions. A key finding highlights how the sacred and ritualistic Seblang Dance serves as the progenitor for the more entertainment-oriented and commercially developed Gandrung Dance, which has become a prominent icon for Banyuwangi tourism. This transformation, as the study elucidates, is a testament to the local culture's adaptive capacity in response to evolving social landscapes and the demands of the tourism industry. The study's primary strength lies in its ability to unravel the complex interplay between cultural preservation and economic development. By demonstrating how both dances concurrently preserve traditional values and reinforce the identity of the Using community, the article offers a nuanced perspective on cultural adaptation in the face of modernization. It contributes meaningfully to discussions surrounding cultural tourism by illustrating how traditional arts can evolve into major tourist attractions while still retaining their intrinsic value to the local populace. The emphasis on the "uniqueness of Banyuwangi culture" is well-supported by the detailed analysis of these two distinct yet interconnected dance forms. However, the abstract also forthrightly acknowledges the inherent challenges accompanying the commercialization and packaging of Gandrung as a tourism product. The tension between maintaining the sacredness and original meaning of the dances against the pressures of tourism commercialization is a critical aspect that the article appears to address. While the conclusion rightly stresses the importance of preservation and sustainable development for the longevity of local culture and tourism, a deeper exploration into specific strategies for balancing these competing demands, perhaps through case studies or policy recommendations, would further enhance the article's practical implications. This study serves as a valuable foundation for future research exploring the long-term impacts of cultural commercialization on artistic integrity and community identity.

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