Peresean is the one of a culture in Lombok, that is a fighting culture between two men armed with rattan sticks and hard buffalo leather shields. Peresean was included in the regional dance arts of Lombok. Fighters in Peresean are usually called pepadu, and the referee is called pakembar.

Peresean’s History

Since the 13th century, the Sasak people have been carrying out this tradition to bring rain during the dry season. Peresean was also used as self-defense training for the Sasak people before entering the battlefield during the kingdom era. As time went by, Peresean became an art culture in Lombok when there was no more war. In fact, this culture is also used as a traditional fight to prove that a man has become an adult.

Not only are there fighters and referees, throughout the fight, this event will be accompanied by the beat of typical Lombok music. The music in a Peresean performance usually consists of gamelan, gongs and drums. This music aims to encourage and accompany the fighters during the fight. The rhythm and beat played must be right. The music also has a symbolic meaning in traditional ceremonies as a tradition to ask for rain from God.

Peresean’s Tools

The tools used by pepadu have deep meaning. Therefore, before peresean begins, it is important to prepare the tools needed. The tools prepared must be in accordance with the provisions believed in in Lombok.

Penjalin

It is a rattan stick which is the main weapon in Peresean, with a length of around 150 cm. Penjalin is not just a tool for hitting, but symbolizes the courage and strength of the fighters. Rattan is usually wrapped with five red strings on its stem, which has a special meaning in this tradition.

Ende

It is a shield which is one of the inseparable tools in Peresean. This shiekd is made from cow or buffalo skin then formed into a rectangle with dimensions of around 60 cm x 40 cm. Ende not only used as a protective tool for pepadu, but also has a symbolic role in war as protection and a barrier against opponent attacks.

Costums

In general, the pepadu in Peresean do not wear clothes on the top, they wearing pants and trouser cover called dodot. However, the pakembar and musicians wear traditional Sasak clothing, including pegon for men. There is another atributes such as capuk (a cloth covering the head).

Currently, Peresean is something sacred by the Sasak people. Now, Peresean is only held before special celebrations such as Independence Day, regional birthdays or before Ramadan. This culture could also be displayed when welcoming guests, weddings or other traditional events.

Peresean is one of the unique cultures in Lombok. To maintain its existence, as a society we have a responsibility to continue and be part of maintaining it. Using and participating in culture in the digital era is not a negative and embarrassed thing. But it is one of the things that we must maintain as part of the history that we will pass on to the next generation.