BCA, Pepadi present ‘wayang’ show

The country’s largest private lender, PT Bank Central Asia (BCA), is collaborating with the Indonesian Puppeteers Association (Pepadi) to initiate a television series, featuring traditional puppet shows, called the World of Wayang (WOW).

BCA president director, Jahja Setiaatmadja, said the show was part of the bank's efforts to contribute to the resurgence of wayang (traditional puppet show), which has seen a marked decline in the ability of its dalang (puppeteers), the quality of its shows and the public's knowledge about the different types of traditional puppet shows.

"Through WOW, we hope we can open and improve the discourse of wayang in Indonesia and also answer people’s curiosity as to how we can introduce and inspire a sense of heritage about wayang, particularly among the younger generation," Jahja said.

Jahja pointed out that wayang has been used at various times to both inform and educate society, as well as being a form of entertainment that could provide social criticism with high philosophical values.

Pepadi chairman, Ekotjipto, appreciated BCA's support in the development of the nation’s cultural heritage.

"We hope that support from BCA will generate appreciation among a wide range of people for the sake of continuity and the preservation of wayang," he said, adding that wayang needed to attract a wider range of fans.

"Wayang comprises not only Javanese wayang, but also wayang from various places nationwide, including Bali, Sumatra and Papua," Ekotjipto said.

The World of Wayang will be aired on Kompas TV, which is owned by the country's largest media conglomerate, the Kompas Gramedia Group, every Sunday starting July 8 at 11:30 a.m.

In 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) as one of the world’s Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. (nvn)