Dr. Clara Evi Citraningtyas, lecturer of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and author, reconstructed the folktale ‘Malin Kundang’ to become ‘Nilam Kandung’, presented in a musical concert, collaborating with UPH Conservatory of Music (CoM) Music Therapy Study Program.

“The title, from ‘Malin Kundang’ to ‘Nilam Kandung’ is indeed word play. In the original tale, Malin was cursed by his mother. In my reconstruction, Nilam Kandung’s mother forgave him. The basis of this reconstruction is that we do not want to continue to inherit the “eye for an eye” principle. My Doctoral research shows that most Indonesian folktales uses this principle, and when this is presented to children, the effects might be unpreferable. This story introduces the “eye for love” principle instead. Even though Nilam Kandung hurt his mother, she forgave him. However, Nilam is still not free from the consequence of forgetting and abandoning his mother for riches,” Clara explained.

This tale is then constructed into a musical drama presented for the public, especially people with disabilities. In addition to the moral value that is hoped to inspire people, this concert also presents good music for everyone to enjoy.

Dr. Clara, who has authored a lot of reconstructions and has published her book, testified that she is very thankful for the success of the reconstruction-turned-concert.

I am so happy because what I want is for this story to be able to be enjoyed by a lot of people, seeing that nowadays, there are a lot of people that do not enjoy reading. When presenting my reconstruction project, Monica, the head of the Music Therapy study program, expressed her interest in performing it in an event, because she thinks that this story has good moral values,” she told us.

This musical drama was held on March 2, 2019, at @america, Pacific Place Mall, South Jakarta. It is divided into 2 sessions, involving students from Music Therapy and other study programs under UPH Conservatory of Music to act as musicians and actors.

Tia Iskandar, UPH CoM lecturer, explained that they want all people, without the exception of having disabilities, can enjoy good quality music. The event is also hoped to be a place where Indonesian cultures can be introduced.

“The background music used in this concert are folk songs, and the songs are deliberately chosen so that the public become more familiar with folk songs. However, we also combine them with other musical genres to create a balance – because there is no limit in music – be it in the type, playing method, or its listeners,” Tia added.

This musical drama combined with Music Therapy is especially aimed as an effective media for people with disabilities to experience a musical concert with positive values. In the future, it is hoped that everyone, without exception, can get closer with music and can love music more – and even understand the advantages of Music Therapy.