ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to capture some of the social and cultural depth of social conflict applying a revised version of Victor Turner's concept of social drama. Victor Turner contrasted "social dramas" from more harmonious "processual units" describing their constituent phases as: breach, mounting crisis, redressive actions, and reintegration. The chapter examines the parts of ongoing conflict and social contradictions that may only appear as more harmonious due to everyday theatrics of power, what Scott called the "duress of the quotidian". Reformists often express feelings that they are acting out of desires to change the dominant social and cultural patterns in the world that are supported by corrupt rulers and global forces. The Department of Culture and Tourism and the Yogyakarta Palace often staged dangdut performances for mass entertainment at public events, including the night market of the palace-led Sekaten, as part of the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
