SEMARANG – As an effort to preserve cultural traditions, a wayang performance was held at a university. The event aimed to safeguard Indonesian arts and traditions from being lost to time, especially amid the overwhelming influx of foreign cultures driven by the internet and digital technology.
“This wayang performance is presented in an attractive way to capture the interest of millennials and Gen Z,” said Ki Dalang Edy Pengging during the ‘Sang Hanoman’ performance at the Soedarto Auditorium, Undip.
The shadow puppet performance was also part of the 8th anniversary celebration of the Undip Vocational School, with the theme ‘Meaningful, Beneficial, and Dignified.’ Undip Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, alongside the Dean of the Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Budiyono MSi, symbolically handed over the figure of the wayang character Hanoman to Edy Pengging to mark the start of the performance.
The story focused on Hanoman, the general of the Pancawati Kingdom, who helped King Rama and Lakshmana search for Dewi Sinta, who was kidnapped by Rahwana. Hanoman is known as a brave, humble, loyal figure, a symbol of goodness, courage, and relentless spirit.
The performance also featured young puppeteer Sri Setya Dwika Segara from Kurung Village, Klaten, who has frequently won competitions. Kurung Village, a partner of the Undip Vocational School, serves as a center for cultural arts training, with many residents working as puppeteers, sinden (female singers), and gamelan musicians.
Source : suaramerdeka.com