Catharsis
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): juni 2026

The Role of Women and Cultural Negotiation in Topeng Betawi Mak Kinang

Sulistiani (Universitas Negeri Jakarta)
LISSA MAHARANI (Universitas Negeri Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of women in preserving the Betawi Topeng Betawi through a study of Mak Kinang as a female maestro and Kartini Kisam as a tradition inheritor and preserver. The study uses a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. At the same time, data are obtained through library research, interviews, and digital ethnography of audiovisual documentation containing track records and testimonies about both figures. The analysis is conducted using the Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman cultural transmission theory as the main foundation, combined with the concept of cultural negotiation to understand the dynamics of tradition preservation amidst social change. The results of the study indicate that the process of inheritance of the Topeng Betawi Dance takes place through vertical cultural transmission within the family environment, where Mak Kinang transmits not only technical dance skills but also the values ​​of honesty, sincerity, responsibility, and artistic ethics to Kartini Kisam through role models, direct teaching, and involvement in performance activities. As the function of the Topeng Betawi Dance changes from being a part of people's lives to being a performing art, entertainment, and educational medium, Kartini Kisam carries out a process of cultural negotiation by maintaining traditional values ​​while adapting inheritance strategies, learning methods, and performance spaces to suit the needs of today's society. This study concludes that women not only play a role as cultural inheritors, but also as transmission agents and cultural negotiators who maintain the continuity of the Topeng Betawi Dance through adaptations that remain grounded in traditional identity and values.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

catharsis

Publisher

Subject

Arts

Description

Catharsis: Journal of Arts Education provides an international forum for research in the field of the art and creative education. It is the primary source for the dissemination of independently refereed articles about the visual arts, creativity, crafts, design, and art history, in all aspects, ...