Klaten Regent: Wayang is Indonesia's Noble Cultural Heritage

The Klaten Regency Government, through the Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism Office (Disbudporapar), held a wayang kulit performance at the Sunan Pandanaran Building (RSPD) courtyard in Klaten on Monday evening (6/7). The routine Selasa Kliwon night performance featured puppeteer Ki Sarlair Puspo Pandoyo presenting the story of Banjaran Sumantri, and child puppeteer Ananda Maulana Langit Romadhona with the story of Dewa Ruci. The performance was attended by the Regent of Klaten, represented by the Expert Staff for Legal, Political and Government Affairs, Sutopo, along with puppeteers from the Klaten Puppeteers Association and the Indonesian Puppetry Union (Pepadi) Klaten. In a written speech read by Sutopo, Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo stated that wayang kulit is not merely an art performance, but a noble cultural heritage of the Indonesian nation that has been recognised by the world. “Wayang is recognised globally as a masterpiece of culture with noble values. In every story and dialogue, there are teachings about life, honesty, devotion, loyalty, and decision-making wisdom,” he explained. The Regent added that such performances hold significant meaning, serving not only as public entertainment but also as a medium for character education and an effort to preserve ancestral cultural heritage. “Let us make the noble values contained in wayang an inspiration in daily life, upholding honesty, hard work, respect for parents, and prioritising deliberation,” he said. Meanwhile, a spectator named Suparman expressed his highest appreciation to the Disbudporapar for routinely holding wayang kulit performances every Selasa Kliwon night at the RSPD courtyard. He noted that the performances not only provide entertainment and cultural preservation but also offer space for culinary entrepreneurs to sell food and beverages directly.