<![CDATA[Tongklek art, a traditional Ramadan performance art in Tuban, East Java, faces preservation challenges amid rapid modernization. Using a qualitative-historical method (1998–2025), this study analyzes its preservation through heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Evolving from communal patrol bamboo slit drums, Tongklek developed into a structured art driven by community values and the Nahdlatul Ulama student organization, PC IPNU IPPNU Tuban, through festivals. While transforming through creative innovations in instruments, arrangements, and costumes, it carefully retains its traditional core. Ultimately, Tongklek’s preservation successfully balances safeguarding local heritage with adapting to contemporary shifts. Kesenian Tongklek, pertunjukan seni tradisional Ramadan di Tuban, Jawa Timur, menghadapi tantangan pelestarian di tengah modernisasi. Menggunakan metode historis-kualitatif (1998–2025), penelitian ini menganalisis pelestariannya melalui tahap heuristik, kritik sumber, interpretasi, dan historiografi. Berawal dari tradisi patrol kentongan bambu, Tongklek berkembang menjadi seni terstruktur yang didorong nilai kebersamaan dan festival organisasi pelajar Nahdlatul Ulama, PC IPNU IPPNU Tuban. Meski bertransformasi melalui inovasi alat musik, aransemen, dan kostum, kesenian ini tetap mempertahankan inti tradisionalnya. Pada akhirnya, pelestarian Tongklek berhasil menyeimbangkan perlindungan warisan lokal dengan adaptasi dinamika zaman.]]>
