A leather puppet show (wayang) closed the series of events to celebrate the 66th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Presenting the theme of Dewi Sri with Ki Purbo Asmoro as the leather puppet director, the puppet show lasted until early morning. The performance that was held at the Balairung Hall was attended by Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, DAA., DEA., Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph. D., Vice-Rector for Research and Community Service., Prof. Dr. Suratman and Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. dr. Iwan Dwiprahasto, M.Med.Sc., as well as some of the high ranks of the academic community.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, DAA., DEA., expressed his gratitude for the implementation of a series of celebration activities since August 14, 2015 until December 19, 2015. With 66 scheduled activities, those events were done successfully. In his opinion, this is all thanks to the synergy of the entire academic community.
“This is due to the most basic values of the Anniversary, which are mutual assistance and synergy. Evidently, by upholding those values of mutual cooperation and synergy, some major activities can be done well. I hope that this value can grow further and be used by the entire academic community to build Indonesia,” said Ali Agus.
The Dewi Sri theme that was performed into play has a philosophical significance as goddess of fertility of the soil and food. The message is that agro industry is the strength of the nation’s competitiveness so that food and energy are very important to build Indonesia. “Dewi Sri is the goddess of fertility of the soil. We see agriculture is the nation’s competitiveness. By supporting the development of food and energy, we ought to keep food and energy ecosystem Indonesia on going,” he said
Meanwhile, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph. D said the purpose of the show is the desire of UGM to blend in with the surrounding community. Not only that, but also to strengthen the nation’s cultural roots.
“UGM takes pride in presenting this puppet play to the public to strengthen the nation’s culture. In addition, the theme of this show is the story of Dewi Sri, the goddess of food and life. Hopefully, the values of this story can be learned by Indonesian people,” she expressed her hope.