The Story Mask Wayang Show Becomes A Form Of Cultural Preservation

A Monday while demonstrating the character of Wayang Mask Carita in Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan, some time ago.(ANTARA/HO-Pemkab Tapin)

JAKARTA - The local cultural heritage of Wayang Mask Carita is again displayed in performances in Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan. This was initiated by the Regency Government in an effort to preserve culture.

Wayang Mask Carita is a performance art rich in regional culture to be introduced to the public.

"We are taking various steps so that this tradition continues to be sustainable and known to our children and grandchildren," said Head of Culture at the Department of Culture and Tourism (Disbudpar) Tapin Riza Pahlavie in Rantau Tapin, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that one of the concrete steps taken was to propose the Carita Mask Wayang to be recorded as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) in 2024.

Wayang Mask Carita is one of the traditional performing arts from Tapin Regency, this show uses masks to describe various characters and stories, often drawn from famous local or epic stories such as Ramayana and Mahabharata," he said.

Riza explained, this art combines elements of music, dance, and drama, this performance creates an interesting experience for the audience. Each mask has its own meaning, reflects certain characteristics or characters, so that players can express emotions and stories visually.

In order to preserve this tradition, he said, development was carried out through the dissemination of the Wayang Mask Carita performance in various events, including the 2024 Maestro Stage in Jakarta and the Tapin Art Festival which had been held some time ago.

Riza also said that the Tapin Regency Government collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Taut Seni Foundation to perform Carita Masks on the Maestro Nusantara Stage.

The Tapin Regency Government has also designed a traditional art conservation program through DPA in 2024, providing assistance to screen Carita Masks in various activities, both small and large.

According to him, Carita Mask Wayang is still very relevant despite the influence of pop culture, public interest in traditional arts and culture remains high. Because there are still many people who invite mask puppets for important events, the stories presented can also be adapted to the theme of the event so that they are still relevant to society.

"The promotion of Wayang Mask Carita to tourists and outsiders is also the main focus. With consistent efforts from the government and art actors, we hope that Wayang Mask Carita can continue to be sustainable and become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tapin community," said Riza.