Semiotic Analysis of the Changes of Ondel-ondel Costume Elements as a Betawi Cultural Negotiation

Abstract

Recognized as one of Jakarta’s icons, the large pair of puppets known as ondel-ondel has undergone significant transformation since its origin centuries ago. Classically built in a fairly simple form, ondel-ondel presents itself in various ways at every performance. Now, ondel-ondel is increasingly found throughout Jakarta, having gone through numerous changes in its costume elements. Whereas it is usually meant to be shown as a couple, nowadays a single ondel-ondel can be found cruising alleys with a mere digital sound system as musical accompaniment. Once respected and feared for its looks, today it is belittled by its own people. Due to this phenomenon, this research aimed to answer the questions of who influenced this ideological change, which ruling elite encouraged their ideology, and what the ideology is. Interviews and direct observations produced stories and photographs, while literature and media studies provided a historical background. Roland Barthes’ semiotic connotations with a historical perspective were used to read the hidden concepts behind these signs, which connect the changes of the costume elements through the important events in Betawi society during the period of 1970–2020. The different interests of each party brought more conflict in their relations, which created a dynamic cultural negotiation. Based on the results, the terms for the ondel-ondel models were identified, specifically a personification model, Islamic model, and commercial model, each named after the historical events and ideology brought about by Jakarta’s ruling elites.

Sarimbit Model as a Cultural Expression of Betawi through Ondel-ondel Visual Appearance

“…This commercial model experiences liberation in its presentation, encompassing aspects such as size, color, accessories, and more. The commercial ondel-ondel is deliberately crafted as a symbol of Jakarta's commercial development (Wahidiyat, 2019).…”

“…Based on Table 1 above, it appears that previous research has placed more emphasis on the search for meaning and changes in meaning that occur in Ondel-ondel from time to time. Wahidiyat (2019) identifies three models of Ondel-ondel found in three models, each model carries its own ideology depending on the current ruler with the barongan model as the background of the research. Ondel-ondel has undergone a shift from various aspects.…”

“…It is estimated that this "beautiful" Ondel-ondel appearance has existed since the first Jakarnaval held in 1998. Ondelondel is used to entertain the audience and complement the stage (Wahidiyat, 2019). At this time, Ondel-ondel can be more than a pair in a parade format, and it is not uncommon for Ondel-ondel to go around the village without a partner and a complete musical accompaniment team (Fig.…”

Pela Gandong Among the Communities of Hatu, Haya, and Tehua in 1999-2000

“…98 According to Mita Purbasari Wahidiyat, et al stress that the changes in some aspects of ideology (ideology of development, religion, and market) were controlled by the main ideology, called the authority of ideology. 99 This authority of ideology creates a political, economic, social, and religious consensus to maintain the integrity of a community. 100 Pela Gandong can also encourage them to build a harmonious and peaceful life continually.…”

Ondel-Ondel Culture: People's Perception on the Shifting in Function and Value Degradation

“…Ondel-Ondel has undergone major changes since its inception centuries ago (Wahidiyat et al, 2022). Before the 1970s, the facial expression of Barongan, as the last name of Ondel-Ondel, was horrifying because it was used as the medium of mysticism activity (Rosita et al, 2020).…”