The world has recognized wayang as Indonesia’s own. However, some of the country’s people may not be well acquainted with the art form yet. It’s about time for the youth get friendly with the puppets.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations on November 7 2010 officially announced the wayang kulit performance as a World Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity from Indonesia. Since then, many has been concerned of its development and preservation.
Thus, many feels that its about time that a firmer, friendlier hand gives today’s generation the baton, providing them with a wider head start towards the new round of wayang in Indonesia.
The Bandung Wayang Festival (BWF), held from December 6 to 10 2010 in Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP), Bandung, became one of the media for that particular purpose. “This is carried out to boost the popularity of wayang, so that more people can enjoy it. BWF tries to bring wayang to the crowds in the mall or the campus,” event director Hermawan Rianto said.
Bandung is picked for the event’s debut location. “Yogyakarta and Solo are wayang’s birthplaces, Bandung is an area of leisure,” Hermawan said, adding that Bandung is considered a challenge.
— Full article is available on Majalah Warisan Indonesia Vol.01 No.03 —
