Yukari Sri Endro Putri Pratama, 221121013, Aesthetic Values in Dongkrek
Art in Balerejo Village, Balerejo Subdistrict, Madiun Regency: From
the Aesthetic Perspective of Alexander Gattlieb Baumgarten,
Department of Islamic Theology and Philosophy, Division of Islamic
Theology and Humanities, Faculty of Islamic Theology and Da’wah,
Raden Mas Said State Islamic University Surakarta, 2026.


This study examines the beauty of Dongkrek art in Balerejo Village,
Balerejo Subdistrict, Madiun Regency, using the aesthetic perspective of
Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten. The background of this study is the
declining public interest in Dongkrek art, even though this art form holds
profound historical, cultural, and philosophical significance as part of the
region’s cultural heritage. This study aims to describe the visual forms of
Dongkrek art and to analyze the aesthetic values found within it based on
Baumgarten’s theory.
This study employs field research techniques using a descriptive
qualitative approach through observation, interviews, and document
collection. The findings of the study indicate that Dongkrek art features
prominent visual elements, including masks, costumes, dance movements,
accompanying music, and unique performance conventions. The aesthetic
value of Dongkrek is evident in the harmony between music, dance, drama,
and ritual symbols, which create a complete sensory experience for the
audience.
According to Baumgarten, the beauty of Dongkrek lies not only in the
performance’s outward appearance, but also in the experience it evokes, its
symbolic meaning, and the spiritual values it embodies. Therefore,
Dongkrek should be viewed as a traditional art form that not only entertains
but also possesses aesthetic, moral, social, and cultural values that are
important to preserve and sustain.
Keywords: Aesthetic Value, Dongkrek Art, Balerejo Village, Baumgatten,
Local Culture.