Debus also served as a means of spreading Islam. Islam was introduced to Banten by Sunan Gunung Jati in 1520 during his expedition to conquer Sunda Kelapa.
During the reign of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, debus served as a means to galvanize the fighters against the Dutch. Over time, debus became intertwined with pre-Islamic traditions.
Under the reign of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, debus began to disappear. Debus reappeared in the 1960s, packaged as a form of artistic performance that continues to this day.
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The people of Banten had their own unique approach to fighting the Dutch.
Although they faced formidable opponents equipped with modern weaponry, they faced it all with unwavering spirit.
They possessed a strong fighting spirit. The resistance of the Bantenese people, led by Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (1651-1682), truly shocked the Dutch.
The Dutch in Banten were devastated by such fierce resistance. This was all thanks to Sultan Ageng's leadership, who consistently encouraged and encouraged his people (Hadiningrat, 1981).
Debus, in Arabic, refers to a sharp weapon made of iron with a pointed, slightly rounded tip.
With this tool, the performers inflicted wounds, but the blows remained unbroken even after repeated blows from other performers. This performance was one variation of the various performances in debus performances.
In Banten, debus is a common skill, and many schools and hermitages teach it. Over time, debus has become both a form of entertainment and a cultural art form.
Debus has become a cultural identity of Banten, making it one of the arts frequently performed at celebrations and official events of the Banten Provincial Government. (Calasanza, n.d.)
On June 9, 1957, President Sukarno witnessed a Debus performance using sharp weapons at the Arts Night in Serang.
Over time, Debus has become both entertainment and a cultural art form. Debus has become a cultural identity of Banten, making it one of the arts frequently performed at celebrations and official events of the Banten Provincial Government.
From 2006 to 2017, Debus frequently appeared on television and gained national recognition.