Universitas Gadjah Mada will confer an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) on the figure observer of Indonesian wayang (shadow puppet), Drs. Solichin, on Friday (18/12). The diploma receipt will be conducted offline, represented by one of his family members, and his scientific oration as a doctor honoris causa recipient will be delivered online.
Prof. Dr. Mukhtasar Syamsuddin, a member of the Promoter Team, said that the awarding of the HC doctorate to Solichin shows UGM’s commitment to cultural development figures. Solichin himself is known as an observer and promoter of the wayang philosophy. “This awarding proves UGM’s commitment to developing Indonesian culture, community-based values, and Pancasila,” said Mukhtasar to reporters, Tuesday (15/12).
According to Mukhtasar, one of Solichin’s contributions in education is transforming the world of wayang from performing arts to academic studies through wayang philosophy education. For faculty of philosophy UGM, he said, his contribution was significant in the development of a Systematic and Critical Wayang Philosophy which allowed Indonesian Philosophy to continue to develop dynamically. “He has also written many books, including wayang encyclopedia along with other authors,” he said.
From a cultural perspective, he added, Solichin was able to deliver wayang to earn UNESCO recognition as a Masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
Solichin, who is currently the Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Wayang National Secretariat (Senawangi), will deliver a scientific speech entitled Memajukan Filsafat Wayang Sistematis dan Dunia Pewayangan di Indonesia (Eng:
Advancing Systematic Wayang Philosophy and the World of Wayang in Indonesia). The speech will convey the Wayang Philosophy developed from the original Indonesian culture itself, namely Pancasila and its values.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Translator: Salma F