Visual Adaptation of Malangan Masks in the Development of Intellectual Property (IP) Characters for Children Aged 5–8 Years

Abstract

Local cultural preservation faces growing challenges from the dominance of global popular culture among children. One endangered cultural heritage is the traditional Malangan Mask, a cultural art form from Malang rich in philosophical values. This study explores the adaptation of Malangan Mask visual elements into an Intellectual Property (IP) character for children aged 5–8 years as a strategy for cultural preservation. Using the Design Thinking methodology, the visual and philosophical characteristics of the Raden Panji archetype were translated into character design requirements. The resulting character, JIRO, combines simplified forms and vibrant colors while maintaining its cultural identity. Evaluation with 20 children aged 5–6 years showed positive responses, including 90% visual appeal, 85% understanding of cultural values, and 92% storytelling interest. These findings demonstrate the potential of culturally based IP characters as engaging educational tools for preserving local culture in the digital era.