Indonesia is a country rich in unique traditional arts and culture, one of which is the art of wayang kulit (shadow puppets) performance. Wayang kulit is a traditional shadow puppet theater that has become one of Indonesia's most famous cultural heritages.
A Brief History
Wayang kulit has a long history in Indonesia, with roots reaching back thousands of years. While various theories exist regarding its origins, it is widely agreed that wayang kulit first appeared on the islands of Java and Bali.
According to local historical accounts, the term wayang itself comes from the word ‘Ma Hyang’, meaning to approach the spiritual. On the other hand, the term wayang refers to the performance technique that relies on shadows ('bayang' or 'wayang') cast on the screen. Meanwhile, 'kulit' refers to the leather material used to create the puppet figures.
The history of wayang kulit (shadow puppets) is closely related to the arrival of Hindu and Buddhist religions in Indonesia in the 1st century CE. Initially, wayang kulit performances served as a medium for conveying religious teachings and epic stories such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. However, over time, wayang kulit also incorporated local elements and indigenous mythology, creating a unique fusion of art forms.
The Elements of Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit is a performing art that involves many elements, including:
- Dalang (Puppeteer): The dalang is the central figure in a wayang kulit performance. The dalang is not only the controller of the puppet figures but also the narrator who brings the story to life. The dalang's ability to speak, sing, and portray various characters is crucial.
- Wayang (Puppets): Wayang kulit puppets are made from thin buffalo skin that is carved with extraordinary detail. These figures are colored and manipulated by the dalang to create shadows on the screen.
- Layar (Screen): The screen is a white cloth screen set up in front of the dalang. The dalang performs the puppets from behind the screen. The puppets will be attached to the screen and produce shadows when illuminated from behind.
- Orkestra Gamelan (Gamelan Orchestra): The gamelan orchestra provides the distinctive background music for wayang kulit performances. It consists of various instruments such as gongs, kendang (drums), gender (metallophone), and suling (flute).
How Wayang Kulit Reached the World
Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets) stands as an example of Indonesian art that continues to be preserved as a cultural treasure. Especially in the Java region, wayang kulit art is still often and easily found at certain events such as weddings and annual village events.
Wayang kulit is a cultural heritage of high value because it is a combination of craft, music, fine arts, and literature. Beyond Indonesia, wayang kulit has gained significant international recognition. Notably, the efforts of the famous puppeteer Ki Purbo Asmoro popularized it across Asia and Europe, including France, Greece, Japan, England, Austria, Thailand, Singapore, Bolivia, and America.
The Philosophy of Wayang Kulit
The Javanese philosophy views wayang as 'wewayanganing ngaurip,’ meaning that wayang is a reflection of life. The intangible values inherent in wayang, such as ‘memayu-hayu bawana' (the principle of creating a peaceful world order), the embodiment of a knight's spirit, noble character, the pursuit of life's perfection, and harmony, represent Eastern philosophies that offer valuable insights for enriching Western thought.
Wayang kulit is not just entertainment but also has deep cultural meanings. Wayang kulit performances are often used as a means to teach life values, morality, and history to the audience.
Through the content of the stories presented, wayang kulit teaches noble character, mutual respect, and respect for others. Social criticism is also sometimes inserted, including comedic scenes, known as ‘goro-goro’. In addition, wayang kulit is also often used in religious rituals or certain traditional ceremonies in Indonesian society.
UNESCO Recognition and the Declaration of National Wayang Day
Wayang kulit is not only a symbol of Indonesia's cultural heritage but also a performing art that depicts local beauty and wisdom. Based on the UNESCO website, wayang kulit performances have been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003, a recognition that underscores their exceptional narrative and cultural value.
As a culture that has been recognized by the world, the Indonesian Government has declared November 7 as National Wayang Day. Wayang Day aims to preserve and promote wayang as a national cultural asset.
The desire from the people for the government to immediately establish a momentum for the wayang community to commemorate Wayang Day has been a long-discussed topic. The establishment of National Wayang Day represents the peak of awareness, unity, and love of the Indonesian wayang community in preserving, developing, and studying wayang for its contribution to realizing a dynamic and modern national culture.
The designation of National Wayang Day is expected to be a reminder for the wayang community to increase appreciation and simultaneously serve as a means for the formation of national identity and character.
Read also: Gudeg: The History of Yogyakarta's Traditional Dish
References:
- Indonesia Kaya. Wayang Kulit: Dari Indonesia Untuk Dunia. indonesiakaya.com/pustaka-indonesia/wayang-kulit-kekayaan-seni-nusantara-yang-bernilai-adiluhung/
- Tempo. Kisah UNESCO Mengakui Wayang Kulit sebagai Warisan Dunia Asal Indonesia. tempo.co/politik/kisah-unesco-mengakui-wayang-kulit-sebagai-warisan-dunia-asal-indonesia--452862
- Pemkab Gunungkidul. Wayang Kulit: Seni Tradisional Indonesia yang Menghidupkan Mitos dan Legenda. desatepus.gunungkidulkab.go.id/first/artikel/2710-Wayang-Kulit--Seni-Tradisional-Indonesia-yang-Menghidupkan-Mitos-dan-Legenda
- Portal Informasi Indonesia. Wayang Kulit, Salah Satu Identitas Kesukuan. indonesia.go.id/ragam/budaya/kebudayaan/wayang-kulit-salah-satu-identitas-kesukuan
- Majalah Jendela Kemendikbud. Wayang: Aset Budaya Nasional Sebagai Refleksi Kehidupan dengan Kandungan Nilai-nilai Falsafah Timur. jendela.kemdikbud.go.id/v2/kebudayaan/detail/wayang-aset-budaya-nasional-sebagai-refleksi-kehidupan-dengan-kandungan-nilai-nilai-falsafah-timur
- Authentic Indonesia. Indonesia Shadow Puppetry Tradition of Wayang Kulit. authentic-indonesia.com/blog/indonesia-shadow-puppetry-tradition-of-wayang-kulit/
