Jakarta Revives Miss Tjitjih Theater with 10 Free Shows

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Jakarta Cultural Agency has committed to staging 10 free performances of the legendary Miss Tjitjih 1928 Sundanese Drama throughout 2026, aiming to cement the city’s identity as a multicultural hub through the preservation of traditional arts.

The initiative, centered at the Miss Tjitjih Cultural Center in Cempaka Baru, Kemayoran, seeks to provide urban residents with consistent access to heritage-based entertainment.

Head of Performing Arts Building Management Unit at the Jakarta Cultural Agency (UP GPSB), Rinaldi, confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, that the schedule was established through a strategic partnership with the Miss Tjitjih 1928 Art Association, balanced against the provincial administration’s budgetary considerations.

“Throughout 2026, there are 10 planned performances of the Miss Tjitjih 1928 Sundanese Drama that are free of charge,” Rinaldi said in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

The popularity of the series was evidenced during the most recent production, Kembang Turangga Jati, held on Saturday, April 18. Despite the venue’s 252-seat capacity, 553 people registered to attend, forcing organizers to turn away hundreds of eager spectators.

Rinaldi noted that this surge in interest is a promising sign for the longevity of folk theater in a modern metropolis. “Public interest in cultural arts performances is so high, this interest is visible from the number of spectators who registered, and interestingly, it is dominated by the younger generation in Jakarta,” he remarked.

The high turnout serves as a vital indicator that traditional performing arts still hold a significant place in the hearts of urbanites. Beyond entertainment, the productions function as educational tools for Sundanese culture, ensuring that Jakarta’s diverse roots remain intact.

The latest play, Kembang Turangga Jati, captivated audiences with a mythological tale centered on the Karancang Bala, a sacred heirloom believed to grant absolute power and prosperity. The narrative followed the ruthless ambitions of King Alas Bandawasa, whose obsession with the relic triggered nationwide conflicts and political turmoil.

As the program moves forward, officials hope the continued presence of Miss Tjitjih on the capital’s cultural calendar will inspire a new wave of appreciation for indigenous storytelling among Jakarta’s youth. ***