Jathilan: Trance and Possession in Java2011

Himself - Jathilan Enthusiast:
During Suharto's New Order the arts were exploited for political ends. The performers were assisted on the condition, for instance, that they weren't allowed to wear red or green clothing. They had to wear yellow because that was the color of Suharto's party. Then Jathilan groups were forced to perform for tourists. They sterilized Jathilan. They forbid the eating of dangerous objects, and trance was abolished. This is an example of the government dominating and intervening in every aspect of people's lives. Finally, when Suharto fell from power, Reformasi began, and Jathilan changed again. In today's era, freedom has led to different forms of Jathilan.