*Berokan, the Funny and Fierce Mask from Indramayu*
Author: Wari Wicatman
If Cirebon has the Mask Dance, Indramayu has *Berokan*. This folk mask theater art is hundreds of years old. Its hallmarks: rough wooden masks with bulging eyes, the blunt dialogue of Dermayon ngapak, and the rengeng-rengeng gamelan music that makes you want to dance.
*Why is it almost extinct?*
In the 1980s, there were 50 groups. Now, there are only 7. Losing out to single organs, regeneration has stalled, and they were even branded “mystical.” The puppeteers are generally elderly, over 60 years old.
*The philosophy is simple:*
The Berokan masks are intentionally made ugly, grimacing, and snarling. Teaching us: _”A pretty face, but a good heart. Rather than a pretty face, but corrupt.”_ Watching Berokan is like looking in the mirror while laughing.**
Indramayu, April 26, 2026.
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