HARIANEXPRESS – Residents of RW 5 Ngrebo Hamlet in Gedog Village, Sananwetan District, Blitar City, enthusiastically participated in the Panggung Merdeka event held on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
This celebration successfully showcased local talents vying for the coveted Sananwetan District Rolling Trophy.
The event, held to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, drew hundreds of residents. They gathered to enjoy various performances and the lively rock dangdut music by Gajah Mada, which energized the stage.
Community Celebrates Independence Day with Talent Showcase
The Panggung Merdeka event served as a crucial platform for residents to demonstrate their artistic abilities, particularly in singing. Numerous local talents performed in the singing competition, aiming to impress the audience and judges.
Annual Search for Emerging Talent
This competition is designed as an annual August event, specifically to identify potential new singers. The talent search begins at the neighborhood unit (RT) level, encouraging broad participation.
Suprabowo, Secretary of Sananwetan District, expressed his hopes that the rolling trophy would inspire the emergence of fresh talent from the community. He underscored the importance of such initiatives for nurturing local artists.
“Piala tersebut akan dilombakan setiap bulan Agustus untuk mencari bibit talenta di tingkat RT,” ujar Suprabowo.
This statement highlights the district’s commitment to continuous talent development within its communities. The annual nature ensures consistent opportunities for budding performers.
A Unique Celebration “From Residents and For Residents”
Prawoto Sadewo, Head of RW 5 Ngrebo Hamlet, elaborated on the distinctive approach taken for Panggung Merdeka, differentiating it from typical August celebrations. He aimed to redefine community events, moving away from conventional practices.
“Kami ingin mengubah stigma. Acara tingkat RW bukan berarti harus seadanya atau sekadar seremonial. Panggung Merdeka ini adalah hajatan dari warga dan untuk warga,” katanya.
Sadewo’s vision emphasized creating a high-quality event that truly belonged to the community. He stressed that the celebration should be a significant occasion for everyone involved.
The stage was equipped with professional facilities including advanced lighting, a robust sound system, and a videotron. These technical elements were crucial in supporting the polished performances of the participants, enhancing the overall experience.
Musician Hans Markus from Sidoarjo also contributed to the event, collaborating with the local talents known as “Artis RW 5”. Their combined performance added a professional touch to the community showcase.
The blend of rock and distinctive East Javanese dangdut music significantly heightened the festive atmosphere. People of all ages, from children to adults, were seen singing and dancing along to the vibrant tunes, creating a memorable community gathering.
