Indonesia
Eko Edy Susanto or Cak Edy Karya succeeded his father to lead Ludruk Karya Budaya which has been around for 51 years and has officially become an Arts Foundation. His reason for preserving Ludruk in East Java is because his extended families are art lovers and art workers. Cak Edy Karya admitted that he does not accept the statement that Ludruk is gone. He explained that Ludruk is a little left behind in this digital era, but he is sure that Ludruk will continue to grow.
“I breathe Ludruk’s breath and I have Ludruk’s blood,” he said.
Jabar, Cak Edy Karya’s friend, admitted that before he knew Eko Edy Susanto, he did not really like Ludruk. Because of Cak Edy Karya’s invitation to watch Ludruk, he started to like Ludruk.
Jabar witnessed Cak Edy Karya’s progress and how he pursued his career through Ludruk. As a friend, he revealed that Cak Edy Karya spent his time, mind, and energy to focus on Ludruk. Jabar revealed that Cak Edy Karya was a leader and thinker because he always questions how Ludruk is in the future.
Cak Edy Karya received the Sabda Budaya Award for the category of Traditional Arts which is part of the event of the 11th Anniversary of Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB). Sabda Budaya Award and Cultural Oration were held via YouTube and Zoom Meeting platform. Cak Edy Karya is very proud because he of the highest award in the 51 years of Ludruk Karya Budaya. Congratulations, Cak Edy Karya! [ASR/DTS MSH/PR FCS]