Leather puppet show entitled ‘Wahyu Cakraningrat’ held at the yard of Balairung, UGM Main Office, Thursday night (17/12) was successful and festive. The show succeeded in attracting the audience who packed the area since 22.00 P.M. The audience were more enthusiastic because the puppeteer (dalang) Ki Purbo Asmoro played the story attractively and interactively.
The story that night unfolded that Abimanyu was the only one able to receive the gift from God in the form of "Wahyu Cakraningrat". Although Abimanyu did not become a King, his leadership was more than that of a king. His love for his people was more than that given by a protector. As a result, Abimanyu produced great kings to lead the world.
The puppet show this time was one of the series of events to commemorate UGM’s 60th anniversary. Ki Purbo Asmoro was deliberately presented by the committee in order to make the show livelier. “Ki Purbo Asmoro is an alumnus of UGM Graduate School, so he is an academic dalang. He has been intentionally requested to perform to give advice for the young generation on campus.†said Prof. Timbul Haryono, chief committee of the show.
The professor of Faculty of Cultural Sciences said that leather puppet is one of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and it has already been acknowledged by the UNESCO. UGM as educational and cultural institution has moral responsibility in preserving the cultural tradition of the Archipelago.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., in his opening speech said that leather puppet show would always be watched by many and be interesting because each performance is adjusted with the current time and it sends out messages as well as advice for its audience. “The philosophy in a puppet show follows the current time and the story gives valuable lessons for us in life,†said the Rector.
Also seeing the show were Chairman of Council of Professor, Prof. Drs. Suryo Guritno, M.Stats., Ph.D., Chairman of Academic Senate, Prof. Dr. dr. Sutaryo, Sp.A(K), former Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Bambang Sudibyo, M.B.A., observer Drs. Sumargono, and the leadership of University and Faculties.