UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta reaffirmed its commitment to preserving national culture by staging a traditional shadow puppet performance titled Pandhawa Mranata Bawana. This event took place on Friday evening (9/5/2024) at Pendapa R. Ng. Yasadipura, UNS Javanology Institute. It marked the university’s 49th Dies Natalis celebration. The official Universitas Sebelas Maret YouTube channel livestreamed the event, allowing a wider audience to participate.

Cultural Performances Reflect UNS’s Commitment to Tradition

The performance began with Bedhaya Sebelas Maret dance, a signature dance of UNS created in 2016. Eleven dancers from the UNS Coordination Board of Traditional Culture (UKM BKKT UNS) performed this piece. A specially composed gending (traditional Javanese music) accompanied the performance. The music reflected gratitude and the spirit of cultural preservation within the UNS community. Sekar Rinonce, a karawitan ensemble from the UNS Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), further enriched the event with a musical performance.

Rector’s Speech Highlights the Role of Culture in UNS’s Mission

UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., emphasized that this event serves as a platform to preserve and develop the university’s vision. He highlighted the importance of promoting national cultural values, especially those rooted in Javanese tradition. He stated, “UNS not only advances science and technology but also embraces the arts, which are vital in shaping the nation’s character.”

He further highlighted that the Pandhawa Mranata Bawana performance reminds attendees of the noble values embedded in shadow puppet plays. “The story teaches us patience, perseverance, and responsibility in pursuing noble goals for the greater good of humanity. I hope UNS continues to contribute as an agent of change and cultural preservation,” Prof. Hartono added.

City Government Applauds UNS’s Cultural Preservation Efforts

Mayor Respati Achmad Ardianto, speaking on behalf of the Surakarta City Government, expressed appreciation for UNS’s initiative in preserving Javanese culture. “Wayang is a cultural heritage that imparts life philosophy, wisdom, and national identity. I highly appreciate UNS’s commitment. It aligns with Surakarta’s vision as a Cultural City. It also supports its status as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of folk art and craft,” the Mayor remarked.

He continued, “On its 49th Dies Natalis, I hope UNS continues to play a significant role as an agent of change and a guardian of our cultural values. Let us strengthen collaboration among the government, academia, and the community. Together, we can advance Solo as a city that is cultured, competitive, and has a strong identity.”

Pandhawa Mranata Bawana: A Moral Story for the Ages

The shadow puppet performance Pandhawa Mranata Bawana tells the tale of the Pandhawa brothers’ struggle against King Jarasanda’s greed. Jarasanda planned to sacrifice 100 kings to the deity Kalaludra. Disguised as Brahmins, the Pandhawa brothers thwarted his evil plans, freed the captive kings, and restored peace to the world.

The story imparts important moral lessons about patience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to realizing noble ideals that benefit humanity.

A Lasting Impression on the Audience

The event ran smoothly into the night, leaving a lasting impression on both the in-person audience and those who tuned in online. The combination of cultural performances and the shadow puppet show showcased UNS’s dedication. It successfully preserved and promoted Indonesian cultural heritage. HUMAS UNS

The post UNS Celebrates 49th Dies Natalis with Shadow Puppet Performance “Pandhawa Mranata Bawana” appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The Abiyasa Boyong shadow puppet performance was presented by puppeteer Ki Dr. Ir. Warseno Slenk, M.Si. The event was also enlivened by Karawitan Sekar Rinonce by the Dharma Wanita Persatuan UNS and the Sesaji Sebelas Maret Dance by Student Activity Unit (UKM) of the Traditional Arts Coordination Board (BKKT).

On this occasion, UNS also invited guest star Endah Laras. The shadow puppet show was supported by the Alumni Family Association (IKA) of the Faculty of Law (FH) UNS, which provided various attractive door prizes.

In his remarks, Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., stated that the selection of the Abiyasa Boyong story was appropriate as a manifestation of UNS’s determination to transform towards a better spiritual and achievement-oriented mentality. This puppet show is expected to provide encouragement and spirit as an intellectual and cultural nation.

“The togetherness of the UNS academic community will lead to readiness to face various world challenges with intellectual intelligence and noble character,” Prof. Yunus said.

The Chair of the UNS Javanology Center of Excellence (PUI), Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, Ph.D., also conveyed that the establishment of UNS in Solo, which is the center and heart of Javanese culture, reinforces the determination and efforts to preserve its heritage. On this occasion, shadow puppet or ringgit wacucal was performed for the UNS academic community and the surrounding community in a special moment.

“This (shadow puppet show) is also in line with UNS’s vision as a center for the development of science, technology, and art that excels nationally and internationally. This performance also marks the commemoration of National Awakening Day which falls on May 20th every year,” Prof. Sahid, who is also the Chair of the Arts and Culture Division of the 48th UNS Dies Natalies Committee, said.

The Chair of the 48th UNS Dies Natalies Committee, Drs. Harjana, Ph.D., emphasized that this shadow puppet show is not just an art performance but also proof that UNS cares and is responsible for introducing culture to the next generation. The diverse cultures in each region deserve to be preserved based on national culture.

In his closing remarks, he, who also serves as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNS, conveyed that the shadow puppet show marks the end of the anniversary celebration series. As a conclusion, UNS will hold an exhibition in June 2024.

The Abiyasa Boyong shadow puppet story tells of the kingdom of Astina facing the problem of who will succeed Prabu Sentanu. Resi Bisma himself has sworn not to become King of Astina.

Amidst the negotiations, the soldiers of Gajahoya led by Prabu Gajah Sura attacked. He is a figure who wants to take over the kingdom of Astina. Prabu Sentanu and Resi Bisma were confused and overwhelmed by it.

Bisma said that only Abiyasa could stop the enemy’s attack. Then, he is the one who will later succeed the throne of the Astina kingdom. Bisma set out to find Abiyasa.

After meeting, Abiyasa was finally crowned as the King of Astina with the title of Prabu Kresna Dipayana. He also managed to defeat King Gajah Sura.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Celebrates 48th Dies Natalis with Abiyasa Boyong Shadow Puppet Performance appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.