A Study on Components of Interactive Projection Mapping to Enhance Youth Engagement with Kuda Kepang in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v10i2.819Keywords:
Kuda Kepang, Interactive Projection Mapping, Immersive ExperienceAbstract
Recognizing the declining interest among youth generations and the risk of cultural erosion, the research explored how immersive technologies can preserve intangible heritage. This study analysed the components of interactive projection mapping as a strategy to enhance youth engagement with Kuda Kepang in Malaysia. Kuda Kepang, a traditional Javanese dance with deep spiritual and cultural roots, has seen waning participation in modern times, particularly among youth audiences more attuned to digital forms of entertainment. Employing a qualitative content analysis approach, the study analysed six culturally themed interactive projection mapping works, focusing on four key components which are object, content, interaction, and environment. These elements were critically examined to understand how they influence user engagement, cultural resonance, and experiential impact. The findings revealed that dynamic visuals projected onto three-dimensional objects, combined with real-time audience interaction and carefully curated environments, significantly increase immersion, enjoyment, and emotional connection among youth. By transforming passive cultural presentations into participatory experiences, interactive projection mapping bridged the gap between tradition and contemporary digital expectations. The study concluded that integrating these components offers a promising pathway for sustaining and preserving Kuda Kepang, fostering deeper appreciation and ongoing preservation of Malaysia’s cultural identity among future generations.
Keywords: Kuda Kepang, Interactive Projection Mapping, Immersive Experience
References
Abu Bakar, A. B., & Idris, M. Z. (2024). Enhancing visitor experience using service design approach for museum sustainability. *Idealogy Journal, 9*(2), 98–107. https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v9i2.540
Abu, R., & Bakar, R. A. (2014). Reviving traditional dance forms in Malaysia: A focus on Kuda Kepang. *Malaysian Heritage Review, 8*(1), 14–19.
Ahmad, D. (n.d.). Music therapy and multimedia in youth engagement with traditional performance. *Journal of Arts and Education, 7*(2), 45–53.
Bengtsson, M. (2016). How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis. *NursingPlus Open, 2*, 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npls.2016.01.001
Cher, W. H. (2014). Preserving the Javanese-Malay cultural dance: The case of Kuda Kepang in Johor. *Malaysian Journal of Cultural Studies, 12*(1), 34–42.
Din, A. (2022). Seni budaya, permainan tradisional lenyap 20 tahun lagi. *Kosmo Digital*. https://www.kosmo.com.my/
Farid, M. A. (2023). Experiential dimensions of Malaysian traditional dance: A case study on Kuda Kepang. *Malaysian Performing Arts Journal, 18*(1), 23–39.
Hafza, N. (2024). Interactive museum displays and government exhibitions. *Journal of Museum Innovation, 7*(1), 12–20.
Hyora, K., Changyeong, L., & Heewon, L. (2013). A study on components and characteristics of interactive projection mapping. *Journal of Digital Design, 13*(4), 397–406.
Intuiface. (2022). Interactive museum displays, exhibits & technology. https://www.intuiface.com
Iwai, D. (2019). Transforming material appearance using projection mapping. *International Journal of Projection Arts, 11*(1), 18–29.
JKKN. (2023). Connecting youth with heritage through interactive exhibitions. *Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara*. https://www.jkkn.gov.my
Jones, M. T. (2015). Materiality and digital textures in projection mapping. *Design Technology Review, 6*(1), 41–52.
Kaji semula seni “haram” Kuda Kepang. (n.d.). *Berita Harian*. https://www.bharian.com.my
Krippendorff, K. (2013). *Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology* (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Li, H., & Ito, M. (2023). Youth digital engagement with cultural installations. *Asian Media Studies, 14*(2), 50–63.
Nasruddin, A. N., Ghazali, N. A. M., & Che Din, S. (2024). Exploring the usage of motion graphic elements in projection mapping video to promote agrotourism in Malaysia. *Idealogy Journal, 9*(2), 126–133. https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v9i2.564
Nasruddin, N., Hashim, A., & Ghazali, M. (2024). Digitalizing cultural rituals: Case study of Johor's Kuda Kepang. *Journal of Southeast Asian Heritage, 9*(1), 22–30.
Nasuruddin, M. G., & Ishak, F. (2015). Syncretism and spiritual practices in Kuda Kepang dance in Batu Pahat. *Islamic Culture and Performing Arts Journal, 3*(2), 55–68.
Nikolakopoulou, A., Papadopoulos, K., & Kousoulas, T. (2022). Interactive storytelling with tangible projection mapping: The Mastic Museum installation. *Journal of Heritage Interaction, 4*(2), 22–31.
Nishanka, G., Hossain, R., & Zhang, J. (2021). Real-time interaction in projection art: Enhancing audience engagement. *International Journal of Immersive Media, 9*(3), 67–75.
Park, Y., & Lee, J. (n.d.). Interactive design in digital heritage installations. *International Design and Culture Review, 8*(2), 100–115.
Sunarti, M., & Fadeli, M. (2021). Strengthening youth cultural knowledge through digital transformation. *Journal of Southeast Asian Cultural Studies, 15*(2), 56–64.
Syed Rizakri, S. N. H., Mohamed Ghazali, N. A., Mohd Lazim, N. A., & Che Din, S. (2024). An inspiration analysis of digital illustration used in augmented reality. *Idealogy Journal, 9*(1), 55–63. https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v9i1.497
Tsai, C. Y. (n.d.). Projection-based installations in modern museums. *Journal of Art and Technology, 10*(1), 73–81.
UNESCO. (2003). *Text of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage*. https://ich.unesco.org/en/convention
Yahoo Southeast Asia. (2022). The traditional Kuda Kepang dance gets a modern spin in Malaysia. https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/kuda-kepang-project-cahaya-041819411.html
Yuan, L., & Alizadeh, N. (2024). Augmented projection design for community heritage revival. *Interaction Design Review, 12*(1), 40–58.
Zailani, Z. E. Z., Zahari, N. F., Taharuddin, N. S., & Ibrahim, N. I. (2024). Factors that influence the successful of a conservation project – A literature review. *Idealogy Journal, 9*(2), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v9i2.653
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 UiTM Press
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
UiTM Press (the Publisher) has agreed to publish the undersigned author’s paper in Idealogy Journal. The agreement is contingent upon the fulfilment of a number of requirements listed below.
1. The undersigned author warrants that the paper entitled below is original, that it is not in any way libellous or unlawful in Malaysia, that it does not infringe any copyright or other proprietary right. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that he/she is the author of the paper, except for material that is clearly identified as to its original source, with permission notices from the copyright owners where required. The undersigned represents that he/she has the power and authority to sign and execute this agreement.
2. The undersigned author warrants that the paper entitled below has not been published elsewhere, and also it will not be submitted anywhere else for publication prior to acceptance/rejection by this Journal.
3. By submitting the paper entitled below, the undersigned author agrees to transfer the rights to publish and distribute the paper in an international e-journal (entitled above) to Publisher.
4. The undersigned author agrees to make a reasonable effort to conform to Publisher's submission guidelines and to liaise with the editor to ensure that the requirements of these guidelines are met to a reasonable degree.
5. The corresponding author signs for and accepts responsibility for releasing this material on behalf of any and all coauthors. This agreement is to be signed by at least one of the authors who has obtained the assent of the co-author(s) where applicable. After submission of this agreement signed by the corresponding author, changes of authorship or in the order of the authors listed will not be accepted.
