INFOKU --Barongan is one of the arts from Java (Central & East Java) which comes from various kinds of stories / saga that exist in various regions on the island of Java.
Each barongan has a different version of the story
in each region, but the most common and most widely used is the story from
Hikayat Panji.
Hikayat Panji itself tells about Prabu Klana Sawandana from Bantarangin Regency who fell in love with Dewi Sekartaji, daughter of the King of Kediri, and was ordered by Patih Bujangganong / Pujonggo Anom to ask for his hand.
They went accompanied by 4 officers, namely: Larean Horse, Panagar Horse, Panyisih Horse and Sangsangan Horse and their troops.
However, when they wanted to propose to them, they were confronted by Singo Barong, the incarnation of Adipati Gembong Amijoyo, who was tasked with maintaining security at the border, so a fierce battle ensued .
Prabu Klana's troops were defeated but four of his officers managed to escape and report it to the Duke of Klana Sawandana.
At that time there was also another group who wanted to apply for Dewi Sekartaji, namely Raden Panji by sending two, namely the Village Head of Noyontoko and Untub .
Singo Barong faced the same fate and they were overwhelmed and they called for help to their fellow classmates, Joko Lodro from Kedung Srengenge.
Finally Singo Barong was defeated. However, because of his magic, Singo Barong can come back to life if he is peppered.
At the same time, Prabu Klana received a report from his troops and immediately took his main weapon, namely a whip, to fight Singo Barong in the Wengker forest .
So the battle was unavoidable and Singo Barong was defeated and was helpless.
With the magic of Prabu Klana he was able to restore Singo Barong on the condition of delivering him to Dewi Sekartaji.
When Prabu Klana arrived at the Kediri Square, he met Raden Panji who also wanted to propose to Dewi Sekartaji, so a battle could not be avoided .
Until finally Prabu Klana could be defeated by Raden Panji , while because Singo Barong intended to defend Prabu Klana, Raden Panji was cursed .
Raden Panji cursed that Singo Barong could not return to his human form and finally Singo Barong was subdued and devoted himself to Raden Panji .
At the end of the myth , they continued their journey to Dewi Sekartaji. (Agung/Various Sources)
