Yogyakarta, November 7th, 2025 – In commemoration of National Wayang Day which celebrated annually on November 7th, CEMPALA (Centre for Multidisciplinary Puppetry Arts Learning and Appreciation) is proud to present “Wayang World 2025,” a comprehensive celebration showcasing the global, diverse, and modern dimensions of this Indonesian art—recognized as a world intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The event organized in association with esteemed institutions, including Yale University Art Gallery, Ullen Sentalu Museum, Sonobudoyo Museum, and Universitas Gadjah Mada (PSPSR and FIB), held on Friday, November 7, 2025, utilizing a hybrid format (online and on-site). To reach a global audience, the event is also available for live streaming via Cempala’s website (www.cempala.com), Ullen Sentalu’s YouTube Channel, and Zoom Meeting, adapting to different time zones.
The main on-site activities took place at Ullen Sentalu Museum, Yogyakarta, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM WIB (equivalent to 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM EST, November 6, 2025). The discussion segment presented bilingually to accommodate international guests. The event features collaborations between artists, academics, and cultural institutions from around the globe, including Indonesia, the United States, Greece, Iran, Malaysia, Canada and Cambodia. The main discussion at Ullen Sentalu is the Photo Exhibition and Discussion centered on the theme “Shadow Puppets from Greece, Thailand, Kampuchea, Malaysia” with Constantine Korsovitis, moderated by Lono Simatupang with special contributions from Jason Karandinos.
Meanwhile, the online discussion sessions featured leading wayang masters and international artists who reflected the diversity and evolution of the art, Dewi Rengganis & Ki Sukarno Widiyraitno presenting Menak Wayang, Yasmin Mazloom presenting the art of Menak Persian Story, Sequoia Erickson leading Moondance Puppetry.
The performance sessions were held at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST (equivalent to 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM WIB, November 7, 2025). There are 4 stories presented bilingually; Rudy Wiratama presenting Menak Iskandar Zulkarnain Wayang, Supit Urang & Dimas Al Hafid presenting Menak Ampak Wayang, Nyoman Sedana presenting a performance of Sutasoma Wayang, and Matthew Cohen & Rahul Kunathara presenting Tholpavakoothu Ramayana.
This international cultural event also underscores its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by fostering global cooperation and promoting cultural heritage education. (NZ)
