Community Counseling through Ketoprak Performing Arts: A Participatory Strategy to Strengthen Social Well-Being in Ngipik Village

Abstract

This study explores community counseling through traditional arts, focusing on ketoprak as a participatory strategy to strengthen the social well-being of Ngipik Village residents. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) linear non-cyclical model, the research was conducted from March to July 2025, involving 11 ketoprak members and 16 academics. Data were collected through participatory observation (from rehearsals to performances), in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed thematically with participatory triangulation across sources and methods. The planning stage identified several challenges: ineffective publicity, limited funding, time constraints, declining youth interest, and lack of proficiency in Javanese krama language. Nevertheless, social capital—networks, norms, and trust—served as the main enabler. The action stage, consisting of rehearsals and intergenerational performances, functioned not only as cultural expression but also as spaces for catharsis, self-actualization, and the enhancement of confidence and solidarity, supported by publicity through flyers, short videos, and social media. Observation indicated improvements in self-confidence among younger participants, stronger intergenerational cohesion, and the internalization of cultural and moral values. The reflection stage generated collective strategies for sustainability, including annual performances, early regeneration of young actors, and institutional support from cultural agencies. The findings highlight ketoprak as more than entertainment; it is an effective community counseling instrument that strengthens cultural identity, fosters social solidarity, and enhances social well-being through participatory engagement.