YOGYAKARTA- Faculty of Philosophy UGM officially has subjects in Shadow Puppet (Wayang) Philosophy studies. Inauguration of the subject has been done today marked by a leather puppet show entitled Sastro Djendro at the Faculty. The subject is the only one in the world currently. The course of Philosophy of Wayang is included in the Graduate program. Meanwhile, the S-1 program has been launched some time ago. Dr. Iva Ariani, SS, M. Hum from Wayang Philosophy team said that the course is planned to be presented to students in September.
"For the S1 program, the course was launched some time ago. This is for S2 program that will be given to students next September," said Iva on the sidelines of the event on Wednesday (23/3).
She explained that Shadow Puppet Philosophy course is the initiative of Philosophy Faculty of UGM and the National Secretariat of Indonesian Shadow Puppet (Sena Wangi). Team members of Shadow Puppet Philosophy consist of Prof. Dr. Joko Siswanto, Prof. Dr. Kasidi Hadiprayitno, Dr. Purwadi, Dr. Suyanto, Dr. Iva Ariani, Drs. Slamet Sutrisno, M. Si, Drs. Mikka Wildha Nurrochsyam, M. Phil and Drs.Solichin.
In line with Iva, another team member, Prof. Dr. Joko Siswanto added that research on this field of study Shadow Puppet Philosophy has started around the year 2002. He expected this subject to be able to provide benefits and solutions to national problems in the future.
"The expectation is it can help provide solutions to various problems facing the nation today," said Joko.
Meanwhile, UGM Rector, Prof.Ir.Sudjarwadi, M. Eng, Ph.D also expected that through the philosophy of puppets, we can at least promote the local wisdom of Indonesia to the international community by looking at the history of puppets which exists, grows and develops for a long time, even until now.
"Our local wisdom from Shadow Puppet Philosophy can be beneficial to the nation and international scope," the Rector expected.
General Chairman of Sena Wangi, Drs.Solichin stated that Shadow Puppet Philosophy has been recognized as having the power of development and has endured the test of time. In fact, Western experts show their admiration by stating shadow puppet as "the most complex and sophisticated theatrical form in the world".
"Then in 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the Indonesia Wayang as the world's masterpiece of art and culture, a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity," said Solichin.
Therefore, he hoped that the introduction of Philosophy of Shadow Puppet would be followed up by research, teaching, publication of Shadow Puppet Philosophy books, provision of experts, discussions and scientific seminars. Therefore, the science will be more firmly established and beneficial to people.