“Dear listeners, the drama Saur Sepuh in the episode Blue
Blood will tell the origin story of a mighty figure, Brama Kumbara, a true
knight and the people’s hero of Madangkara.” These words, broadcasted over the
radio, captivated millions of listeners across Indonesia in the mid-1980s. The
radio drama Saur Sepuh, a legendary tale of adventure, loyalty, and
valor, became a nationwide phenomenon, marking an important chapter in
Indonesian pop culture.
At its core, Saur Sepuh introduced the audience to
Brama Kumbara, a young boy destined for greatness. His journey from playing
with peers to rising as the heroic leader of the Madangkara Kingdom unfolded in
gripping episodes. Each day, listeners eagerly tuned in, their imaginations
ignited by the vivid sound effects and dramatic background music. The radio
medium, despite its lack of visuals, allowed for a deeply personal and
immersive experience, with every listener picturing the events in their own
way.
As Saur Sepuh gained momentum, it became a beloved
story across the archipelago. With around 240 radio stations airing the drama, Saur
Sepuh became a part of daily life, with some listeners gathering at
neighbors’ homes after afternoon prayers just to catch the latest episode. The
radio drama format, with its powerful voice acting and skillful use of sound
effects, created unforgettable characters like Brama Kumbara, Mantili, Lasmini,
and Raden Bentar.
The mastermind behind this epic was Niki Kosasih, a young
law graduate who, after studying playwriting under W.S. Rendra, brought the
historical conflicts of kingdoms like Majapahit and Pamotan to life. Kosasih’s
storytelling prowess blended Indonesian history with fantastical elements,
offering tales of love, betrayal, and war. His characters, brought to life by
talented voice actors, resonated with audiences, creating an emotional
connection that transcended the medium.
As the popularity of Saur Sepuh soared, it was
inevitable that the story would be adapted for the screen. In 1987, Saur
Sepuh I: Satria Madangkara premiered in cinemas. The film adaptation
brought the characters, once only heard, into visual form. Fendy Pradana took
on the role of Brama Kumbara, embodying the formidable warrior that listeners
had imagined for years. Elly Ermawatie, who voiced Mantili in the radio drama,
reprised her role on screen, delivering the same fierce energy that fans had
come to love.
The transition from radio to film wasn’t without its
challenges. Director Imam Tantowi had a difficult time casting key characters,
especially Lasmini, a seductive warrior from the Anggrek Jingga school. After
months of searching, Murti Sari Dewi, a talented Javanese dancer from Solo, was
cast in the role, marking her entry into Indonesian cinema.
The Saur Sepuh films, including Satria Madangkara,
Pesanggrahan Keramat, Kembang Gunung Lawu, and Istana Atap
Langit, extended the legacy of the radio drama. These films brought to life
large-scale battle scenes, intricate martial arts choreography, and dramatic
confrontations. Some of the most iconic scenes involved thousands of extras,
horses, and even elephants. The film crew traveled to multiple locations, from
Lampung to Sumba, to capture the grandeur of the kingdoms at war.
Despite its success, Saur Sepuh films didn’t escape
criticism. Some fans, accustomed to creating their own mental images of the
characters, found the physical portrayals lacking compared to the vivid
imaginations sparked by the radio series. However, the films attracted millions
of viewers, cementing Saur Sepuh as one of the most successful
franchises in Indonesian cinema.
The story’s broad appeal can be traced back to the
Indonesian tradition of storytelling, where martial arts and supernatural
elements were often part of folk tales. Literary critic Jakob Sumardjo observed
that Saur Sepuh continued this tradition, blending myth and history in a
way that resonated with audiences.
Today, Saur Sepuh remains a nostalgic touchstone for
many Indonesians. Its characters are etched into the collective memory of a
generation that grew up listening to radio dramas and later watched them come
to life on screen. Niki Kosasih’s creation not only left a lasting imprint on
radio and film but also played a significant role in shaping the landscape of
Indonesian popular culture.
From the radio waves of the 1980s to the cinematic screens
of the 1990s, Saur Sepuh stands as a testament to the power of
storytelling across different media, captivating hearts and imaginations
through sound and visuals alike.
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