By Osi Naya | Officer Communication
December 16, 2023
In a village in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, in December 2023, a meaningful cultural event took place. In commemoration of World Human Rights Day, the Indonesian for Humanity (IKa), through its Pundi Insani program, collaborated with NGO partners to support the staging of a shadow puppet show with a profound theme, "Prayer for the Nation." Pundi Insani, as an initiative to gather resources for the recovery and empowerment of victims of gross violations on human rights, found strong synergy in the art of Wayang Kulit, especially because the puppeteer performing was a survivor of gross violations on human rights that occurred in the year 1965.
This performance is not just entertainment, but a medium to convey a message about the importance of human rights, and it is expected to be a part of the recovery and reconciliation between survivors of past human rights violations and the wider society. Wayang itself has been recognized by UNESCO as an invaluable world heritage of Indonesia.
Through the play "Tumuruning Wahyu Cemethi Sapu Jagat Songsong Lumbung Wasiat," Ki Dalang— a survivor of past human rights violations who has long suffered from stigma and discrimination— delivers a message about the revelation that descends for the good of the world. The story begins with a depiction of a chaotic world, where Semar, a central figure in wayang, receives an important signal from the celestial realm. Semar then conveys how to confront and eradicate anger to make the future of the world better. This message is very relevant in the context of the recovery of human rights occurring in Indonesia with the acknowledgment and regret for past serious human rights violations by President Jokowi on January 15, 2023."
Interestingly, ki Dalang used two languages in his performance: Kromo Inggil (refined Javanese language) through Semar to narrate the arrival of guests who had knowledge about human rights and “Bahasa Ngapak”, the local dialect. Ki Dalang's shadow puppetry illustrates how human rights can be narrated and understood through art, making this performance not only a form of entertainment but also education.
The shadow puppet show "Prayer for the Nation" was attended by various stakeholders, from the local community, the Village Head, the Subdistrict Head, to the Indonesian Puppeteers Association and various organizations supporting victims from the local and national levels.
The Village Head of Pageralang, with pride, appreciates his village becoming the venue for the commemoration of World Human Rights Day and encourages residents to cultivate a sense of mutual respect. This begins within the family environment by avoiding violence against wives and children.
This event demonstrates that an inclusive cultural process can gradually erode stigma, acknowledge the dignity of survivors, raise awareness of human rights values, and build a more just and empathetic society.
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