Sanggar Metta Budaya trains not only traditional Javanese dance but also contemporary dance. The studio was established on 5 August 1989 by the initiative of four alumnae of Sekolah Menengah Karawitan Indonesia (SMKI — a vocational high school specialising in Javanese traditional music): Joko Sudiyono, Suparti, Sri Lestari Purnawilastri, and Ari Satriya Wibawa. Starting with only six children during the early days of the establishment, Metta Budaya now has more than 250 students, mostly children and teenagers. 

Applying the Javanese philosophy Memayu Hayuning Bawana, Metta Budaya was built upon the willingness to preserve Javanese heritage in terms of traditional dance. With that philosophy, the Metta Budaya seeks to preserve Javanese traditional dances by recruiting children and teenagers so that they love and have a high sense of belonging to Javanese traditional heritage.

As one of the pioneers of art studios in Solo, Metta Budaya has brought positive impact for the development of culture in Surakarta. It has hatched some notable artists such as Luna Kharisma, who is now a faculty staff at Theatre Department of ISI Surakarta and Muslimin Bagus Pranowo, a notable choreographer and dancer with lots of achievements  such as winning the National TV Dance Contest “Let’s Dance” in 2006 and 2007.

Throughout the years, Sanggar Metta Budaya has also scored many achievements. It performed traditional dances at “Indonesia Gala Night” Bulgaria (2009); participated in Tari Gambyong Massal for the World Record  breaking (2018). Besides, Students of Metta Budaya were always granted as the best performer at Festival Wayang Bocah from 2015 to 2019. 

With a tution ranging from IDR 20,000 to IDR 25,000 per month, students can choose their training schedule: Tuesday and Friday, or Wednesday and Friday. 

Contact of Metta Budaya: Ari Satriya Wibawa (082141313334)