Kuda Kepang: A Case Report of Javanese Cultural-Related Trance in Medan

BACKGROUND: One of the works of Javanese culture is the kuda kepang. None of the historical records explains the origin of this dance. Kuda kepang or also called kuda lumping or jathilan. In the kuda kepang dance, the trance process takes place through the calling of the spirit or called endang through the songs that are played. In the International Classification of Disease Edition (ICD-10), it is called trance and possession disorders and in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders five editions (DSM-5) it is included into Other Specified Dissociative Disorder. CASE REPORT: This is a case of the direct interview with the kuda kepang player, SI (30 years old), and HO (54 years old) both were the Javanese tribe as the owner of the kuda kepang art group called “Kesenian Tunas Baru” in Sukaraya Village, Kutalimbaru District. He was one of the music players in the arts. CONCLUSION: The traditional performance of kuda kepang is a change and innovation that characterises the traditional art world where kuda kepang performances are truly sacred events and now become extraordinary and can be performed. In this case, it appears when the magical side is in the trance condition; this trance can be performed.