In recent years, the young West Sumatran dancer and choreographer Ali Sukri has surprised Indonesian audiences by interweaving modern dance with the defensive art of Pentjak Silat from the highlands of West Sumatra. In Tonggak Raso, a tight choreography without folkloric references, he explores the effect of external influences on local culture. Unlike many Indonesian theater productions, which are known for their ritualistic folklore and slow dramaturgy, Sukri holds the attention by propelling his performers' energy and momentum to a climax. Meet the best kept secret of contemporary Indonesian performing arts.