The troupe will stage the final chapter of the Republik trilogy, Republik Petruk -- a dramatic satire of the country's sluggish, if not misguided, political reform.

Written and directed by noted playwright N. Riantiarno, known as Nano, the play retains the tradition of the Republik series in presenting Indonesian politics through wayang (shadow puppet) characters and stories.

This time, the central figure is Petruk -- a clownish character known for his long Pinocchio-like nose.

"The play is a bleak reflection of our country," producer Ratna Riantiarno says in the play's introductory booklet.

"It is tragic, ironic, bitter and foolish. This is a story of a leader who in reality never acts as a leader, for (he is) no less than a clown," says Ratna, Nano's wife and the troupe's co-founder.

Certainly there is no democracy in wayang kingdoms. Petruk rises to power in Lojitengara Kingdom solely thanks to providence: He is asked by the knight Priambada to look after the Kalimasada amulet, the precious heritage of the Pandawa princes that was stolen by Mustakaweni.

Tempted by the gods Kaladurgi and Kanekaratena, Petruk uses the power of the amulet to seize Lojitengara Kingdom and proclaim himself its new ruler by taking the title Prabu Petruk Belgeduwelbeh Tongtongsot.

He then sets about implementing political reform, turning Lojitengara into a kingdom -- or a "republic" in Nano's phrase -- in which almost everything is permissible, including "corruption as long as you do not get caught". With his everything-is-permissible policy, the kingdom becomes persistently chaotic.

"It is said that once a land is governed by Petruk, hope for a better future fades away. Everything ends in discourse, (as people) think that talking is akin to doing something and smiling is considered a great deed. Promises are no less than garbage," Ratna says.

While Republik Bagong (2001) reflects the country's transitional period from the weakening dictatorship of the late Soeharto to the fledgling democracy, and Republik Togog (2004) touches on the issue of abuse of power, Republik Petruk highlights the post-reform leaders' failure to make democracy a blessing for the country.

Rising extremism, violent sectarian conflicts and the prevalence of "corruption culture" are often seen as indicators that Indonesia is not "properly reformed".

Weak law enforcement is often to blame for such problems, but many people point the finger at the false notion of democracy as embraced by Prabu Petruk: "The democracy that I have reformed means everything is permissible".

Teater Koma is well-known for its politically satirical drama. In 1978, about a year after it was established, the troupe was banned by the New Order regime from performing Nano's play, Maaf, Maaf, Maaf (Sorry, Sorry, Sorry), which was considered to mock the then president, Soeharto.

Despite its popularity, Ratna says Teater Koma still struggles with financial constraints to produce its plays, including Republik Petruk, its 116th play.

"The total cost of production, if we count it carefully and thoroughly, can never be fully covered by ticket sales and sponsors. This is a fact," she says, adding the troupe also faces problems such as declining public interest in theater and lack of government support.

On March 11, Teater Koma will be 32 years old. Soeharto, the leader that they criticized when he was still in power, stepped down from his political throne after ruling the country for 32 years.

Will this also be the final year for Teater Koma?

Ratna reiterates the troupe's philosophy that their artistic expression in the theater always ends with a comma, not a period -- it is theater that is sustainable and will always live.

Teater Koma will perform Republik Petruk at Taman Ismail Marzuki cultural center's Graha Bhakti Budaya everyday at 7:30 p.m. from Jan. 9 to 25. Ticket prices range from Rp 30,000 to Rp. 100,000. Information: 021-7350460, 021-5224058, 021-31934740.

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