Revitalizing Performing Arts as Cultural Identity and Educational Tourism Attraction in Sendangsari Village

Abstract

Sendangsari Village in Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, has a rich tradition of performing arts as part of its intangible cultural heritage. Most of these performances have been closely associated with ritual and ceremonial events, with limited documentation and preparation for educational tourism. This community service program aimed to revitalize local performing arts, strengthen the village’s cultural identity and enhance its capacity to provide educational tourism services. The program was implemented from 2023 to 2025 using an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. The project began with the inventory and documentation of cultural resources. The following year, the program focused on rehearsals and skills development for Tari Kenyo Sendangsari and Sendratari Gejog Lesung Sunan Geseng dance drama. In the last stage, the team collaborated with the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) to integrate these two performances into local tourism programs and prepare standard operating procedures for services. The project produced a reference book, standard formats for the performances, and opportunities for the two performances to be presented at community events. The 2025 data showed the use of structured guest and financial records, an increase in the number of homestays from 8 to 13 units, and reported homestay revenue after program implementation of IDR 25,000,000. These statistics provide an early indication of operational and livelihood enhancement, but do not establish a direct causal link with the performing arts initiative. The Sendangsari case suggests that preservation and revival of culture, as well as integration of culture into tourism activities, can work together to support heritage continuity and local livelihood opportunities. The program also aligns with the village’s ongoing development in the Cultural Independent Village (Desa/Kalurahan Mandiri Budaya) program