traditional_art
Ratoh Jaroe
MA
By Maulida Azmi
16 September 2026
Characters
Yusri Saleh (Dek Gam)
A narator
A young dancer
Setting
Aceh and Jakarta, Indonesia
Conflict
The challenge of developing a new dance in Jakarta while maintaining the cultural elements and identify of Acehnese dance.
Ending
Ratoh Jaroe continues to be preserved by younger generations through schools, university, competitions, cultural events, and performances.
Reflection
"The Story Behind the Dance tells the story of how Ratoh Jaroe developed from Acehnese cultural traditions into a new dance form in Jakarta. The story follows Yusri Saleh, also known as Dek Gam, as he brings his knowledge of Acehnese dance to Jakarta and develops Ratoh Jaroe by combining elements from several Acehnese dances. The story also shows the challenges of creating a new dance while maintaining its cultural roots. In the end, Ratoh Jaroe continues to be preserved by younger generations through schools, competitions, cultural events, and performances."