Most of the people in Sangiran still maintain the existence of traditional art. Rodat is one of Moslem traditional dance. Such dance develops along with the existence of Maulid Nabi for the Moslem. It is not only about dancing, but it is also about philosophy. The name rodat derives from Arabic word which means back and forth as seen in the way the dancers moving their hands as well as other parts of body back and forth.
Rodat exists in Sragen along with the development of Islam in that area. This traditional performance combines tambourine, brass drum, and gong with a dance done by men. This was a kind of media to spread Islam and also a means to fight for freedom. Sragen became the main point of rodat distribution as it was used as an effective way during the fight for freedom. Rodat was usually performed in a whole night to deceive the Dutch who did patrol. This dance can be found in Sambirembe Village, Kalijambe District. There are some rodat communities which one of them is Al Hidayah group with the female members. They perform rodat by the accompaniment of kotekan lesung from Saren Village. Rodat is also performed to welcome official guest of the natioan as it is the nearest cultural asset from Sangiran Museum. (Duwiningsih, Ratna Sri Panglipur, Ike Wahyuningsih, Gunawan, Iwan SB) Please click here
