Admittedly UNESCO, Surakarta Turns On Week Wayang And Gamelan 2025

Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection of the Ministry of Culture, Restu Gunawan, emphasized that Surakarta is a cultural center. (IST)

The 2025 Wayang and Gamelan Week officially took place in Surakarta City as a celebration of UNESCO's recognition of wayang and gamelan performances as a world cultural heritage. The Indonesian Ministry of Culture opened this event through a Cultural Carnival involving 30 cultural communities, running from Loji Gandrung to Surakarta City Hall, Sunday 2 November.

This event was designed to make wayang and gamelan closer to the younger generation in the digital era: not only spectacle, but also a means of moral and spiritual education that combines the art, philosophy, and character of the nation.

The Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection of the Ministry of Culture, Restu Gunawan, emphasized that Surakarta is the right cultural center to strengthen collaboration in the preservation of this intangible heritage.

Wayang and gamelan have been recognized by the world. After returning from here, let's watch the wayang show and understand the philosophy. Those who can't play games, go to the studios," said Restu.

He added that this celebration is in line with National Wayang Day, as well as strengthening the nation's cultural diplomacy and self-confidence.

The Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Achmad Ardianto, called this event a cross-generational meeting space between maestros, craftsmen, students, and the general public to maintain the existence of traditional arts in the midst of times.

"This activity triggers a sustainable collaboration between the government, communities, the world of education, and the community," he said.

Apart from carnivals, hundreds of students took part in the kindergarten and elementary level drawing competition at the Surakarta City Hall Hall Hall Hall Hall Hall. The activity took place in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Surakarta City Government, and the Surakarta Indonesian Art Institute.

Week Wayang and Gamelan 2025 are expected to be a creative stage that revives the cultural heritage of the judiuhung in a new way closer to today's public.