Wayang Kulit Celebrates the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Strengthens Traditional Artists

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon encourages wayang to continue to live among the younger generation, not just as a cultural heritage. The government also provides support to traditional artists through the Indonesiana Fund.

Fadli conveyed this in the Gema Pelindungan Budaya Nusantara or Gempita which presented the puppet performance of the Gathutkaca Kusumayuda play by the puppeteer Ki Cahyo Kuntadi at the yard of the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Friday, August 14.

According to Fadli, wayang has been recognized by UNESCO since 2003. The challenge now is to maintain the sustainability of this traditional art and make it still have a place, especially among young people.

"Wayang is a cultural heritage that has been encrypted by UNESCO since 2003. For this reason, wayang as a traditional cultural expression that is present in all corners of the archipelago and abroad can continue and continue to be appreciated, especially for the younger generation," said Fadli.

He also highlighted the diversity of Indonesian culture, which he said was a strength in maintaining unity.

"Although different tribes, religions, and backgrounds, but we have succeeded in making that difference not a threat of division, but rather a binding of unity, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," he said.

Fadli said that cultural development is a mandate of Article 32 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution. The government, artists, cultural activists and the community, according to him, need to be involved in the protection and development of culture.

The Ministry of Culture also provides support to traditional artists through the Indonesiana Fund. This program is one of the government's instruments to help activities and the development of the cultural ecosystem.

Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan said the continuation of wayang cannot be separated from the artists who continue to carry out the tradition.

"Wayang is part of our culture, and these artists are the guardians of culture, who dedicate their time, energy and minds to preserving culture," said Restu.

The Gempita event was held in commemoration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha, the Ministry of Culture, Chairman of PEPADI Tumiyono, and Chairman of SENAWANGI Bambang Soelistyo.