In the heart of Bali lies the vibrant village of Tengkulak Kaja, home to the enchanting Kecak dance performances at Tanah Gajah Ubud. Delve into the remarkable journey of I Made Sudana, the maestro steering the renowned Kecak dance group as well as his daily life. From financial stewardship to cultural preservation, this exclusive interview unveils the harmonious blend of Sudana's roles in shaping both economic and artistic facets of Tengkulak's legacy.
 

 
UNVEILING THE MAESTRO BEHIND THE ECHOES
 
Tanah Gajah: Can you share a bit about your role as the head of LPD?

Sudana: Certainly. As the head of Lembaga Perkreditan Desa, I oversee all financial activities within the village. Our focus is on savings and loans, providing financial support to the locals in Tengkulak Kaja. It's a crucial role that connects me deeply with the community.

 

Daily activity at LPD Tengkulak



Sudana with a colleague at LPD Tengkulak



Balinese offering at Sudana's office



Meeting room at LPD Tengkulak Kaja


Tanah Gajah: How did the idea of forming a Kecak dance group come about?

Sudana: It was a dream rooted in the desire to preserve our rich Balinese culture. Back then, Tengkulak didn't have its own Kecak dance group, and neighboring villages like Teges were more renowned. It was a challenge to recruit 100 dancers from our village, primarily farmers and woodcarvers, but it was essential to contribute to our cultural legacy.

Tanah Gajah:  Why did you choose Tanah Gajah for the Kecak dance performances?

Sudana: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, was the private residence of Mr. Hendra Hadiprana. We began our journey there, and over time, the Kecak dance gained recognition, eventually becoming Bali's top-rated performance on Google. The intimate setting and unique elements distinguish our performance.

 

Previous photos were captured by Bali Image Photography


Tanah Gajah: What makes Tanah Gajah's Kecak dance unique?

Sudana: Two things stand out. Firstly, our fire-fighting scene with coconut husks is mesmerizing and not found elsewhere. It's a unique spectacle that captivates our audience. Secondly, the intimate setting ensures a close connection between the performers and the audience, offering an immersive experience.







 


I Made Sudana, head of LPD and leader of the Kecak dance group in Tengkulak Kaja, exemplifies the intricate connection between economic stewardship and cultural preservation. LPD's journey, from modest beginnings to a financial powerhouse, mirrors Sudana's commitment to community growth. His dream of a local Kecak dance group, realized against all odds, has become a beacon of cultural richness, echoing the legacy of Tanah Gajah Ubud's founder, Mr. Hendra Hadiprana. Sudana's narrative unfolds every Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 pm, where the vibrant echoes of the Kecak dance resonate through Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana.