Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again held a wayang kulit (puppet) performance on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, featuring the story of “Dewa Ruci.”
The performance, staged in front of UGM’s Central Office, showcased the young puppeteer Ki Yusuf Anshor Ganendra, an 11th-grade student from MAN 1 Wonosari.
UGM’s Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, stated that by organizing wayang kulit performances, Universitas Gadjah Mada continues its tradition of preserving culture, known as nguri-uri kebudayaan (preserving culture).
“Nguri-uri” refers to a strong foundation that grows tall and bears abundant fruit.
“Being deeply rooted means having sensitivity to culture, and this time we recognize that our effort to preserve culture is part of the commitment to ensure that cultural traditions always enrich education,” he said.
Dr. Sujito added that UGM may not be exempt from the currents of change, but it must maintain its character.
The performance is also expected to continually influence the daily works of UGM’s community.
He emphasized that fostering emotional sensitivity during work and interactions embeds cultural practices of great importance.
“Moreover, this performance highlights the theme of ‘Dewa Ruci,’ and I believe it aligns with our mission of imparting vital messages of goodness, values that are a part of the university’s broader mission, and I think this theme is highly relevant to both us and the Indonesian nation,” he expressed.
Dr. Sindung Tjahyadi, a member of the wayang kulit event committee, expressed his joy at the performance’s success in attracting the local UGM community.
In addition to students, university and faculty leaders, lecturers, staff, and students attended the event.
He explained that the story of “Dewa Ruci” is derived from the Serat Nawa Ruci, a text containing core Sufi teachings related to the search for the self and God.
“At the age of 75, it is appropriate for UGM to recognize and delve into its identity by exploring mountains and oceans,” he said.
Jack Haryanto shared the same sentiment who also enlivened the performance during the Limbukan segment alongside Elisha Oscarus Allaso and Mbah Waluyo.
According to Haryanto, the choice of the “Dewa Ruci” story was based on its theme of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, which resonates with UGM’s journey as an educational institution.
“This story illustrates the process of introspection and learning that can inspire the academic community to continue seeking truth and knowledge,” he explained.
Haryanto emphasized the performance’s philosophical message, which concerns the importance of self-awareness and understanding the meaning of life. “Dewa Ruci” teaches that the search for truth requires courage and perseverance.
“This encourages us not only to focus on material achievements but also on spiritual and moral values,” he added.
The story of “Dewa Ruci” is considered relevant to the values upheld by UGM.
Haryanto noted that UGM always prioritizes intellectual, moral, and humanitarian values. The story of “Dewa Ruci” aligns with these values, as it encourages the academic community to continuously strive for the development ofknowledge and character.
“The learning process depicted reflects UGM’s spirit of creating a generation that is not only intelligent but also wise,” Haryanto said.
As a form of reflection, Haryanto hopes that UGM’s academic community can contemplate their own life journeys and understand the importance of wisdom in facing challenges.
Through this story, each individual is expected to be inspired to continue learning and growing and to contribute positively to society.
“This reflection serves as a reminder of the moral and social responsibilities as part of the UGM community,” added Haryanto, who is also one of the organizers of the wayang kulit performance.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien
Photographer: Firsto