Yogyakarta (YK) – On 6 – 8 November 2019, Vocational College of Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially from the English study program, performed a puppet performance in which the event was named Mawayang 2019. “Mawayang 2019 is one of the programs from Balai Budaya Minomartani in collaboration with the English study program, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada to celebrate World Puppet Day 2019,” said Dinno Kurniawan, Student of English Program, as the chief executive of the event.
The event presented 17 groups in puppet shows (wayang purwo, wayang kancil, wayang golek, etc.), wayang exhibitions and demonstration seminars, and also lectures entitled “International Seminar on Fable Nusantara” and it is held on Friday, 8 November 2019 at 08.30 – 11.30 am. This activity is open for students of Universitas Gadjah Mada and for the public. The event has been widely published to the public through BBM (Balai Budaya Minomartani) collaboration network and live streaming. The role Students of English Program Vocational College Universitas Gadjah Mada, besides being a performer, is also a committee that helps in organizing events.
“Grateful, the activities can run smoothly and in accordance with the wishes,” said Fauziah, the secretary of the event. In carrying out these activities, they also received support from the Republic of Indonesia Ministry of Communication and Information (KEMKOMINFO). In addition, there were several speakers from abroad including Prof. Hedi Hinzler from Leiden University, Dr. Miguel Escobar Varela from the National University of Singapore, and Ms. Yuri Nishida from Osaka Japan.
The event took place in two places, namely the main event was at the Balai Budaya Minomartani and the seminar was at the GP Hall 1st Floor Vocational College Building, Universitas Gadjah Mada. It can be said that the event was very lively and many interested people attended both events. Not only that, even Dr. Eddy Pursubaryanto, M.Hum. also took part in this 2019 Mawayang event, no less interesting also at the end of the event there was an appearance from Ms. Yuri Nishida who collaborated with her husband and her friends.
This event was held in order to realize a movement that is expected to be able to reinforce the national identity towards advanced and prosperous Indonesia. Whereas for the purpose of the event these activities are to introduce and promote wayang as Indonesia’s cultural heritage for the world, and to celebrate International Puppet Day 2019.