The History of Wayang

After discussing about the wayang performance in the previous article, I will talk a bit about its growth in Indonesia.

Wayang is an Indonesian’s masterpiece which has been known since 1500 BC. Its growth has related to other element and developed ever since until its recent form and content. So, the current wayang is not the same as the previous wayang, and that the upcoming wayang will not be the same as the current wayang. However, each of its changes does not affect its genuineness since wayang has firm base that are hamot, hamong, and hamemangkat. By having those things, wayang has resistance and ability to develop through the centuries. Besides, there is also a wayang development policy that has been outlined by Trikarsa and Pancagatra.

Hamot is openness in accepting influence and input from both inside and outside. Hamong is ability to filter the new element which is suitable to the current value, and then accept it as the proper value for wayang as a supply in order to move forward according to the civilization. Hamemangkat is a value which becomes a new value through some long processes and which is carefully absorbed. Meanwhile Trikarsa is a determination to preserve, develop, and glorify wayang, which was carried out by Pancagatra. Therefore, wayang is able show its ability since the ancient time, Hindu era, and even up till now.

The wayang development period started in an ancient time that was when our ancestor believed in animism and dynamism. In these beliefs, the spirit of the dead people is believed to be still alive and that live things have power. That is the reason why they are adored and asked for help. So, to worship the ancestors’ spirit, they perform a certain ritual that is created in a form of pictures and sculptures. The ancestors’ spirit worshiped is known as hyang or dahyang.

People can communicate with the hyang through a medium who is usually called syaman to ask for his help and protection. So, the ritual adoration of the ancestors is the initiation of wayang. Hyang becomes wayang and syaman is the puppeteer. Meanwhile, the story is the ancestors’ adventures and experiences. The language used is the original Javanese.

In its development from the past up to now, there are some changes in it, such as in its shape and the wayang art which used to be similar to a wayang relief in temples and now it becomes more imaginative, in a way that it is does not look like a human, the parts of the body are complete and functional, not proportional, yet very wonderful. It is because there is rejection to idols, but it still want to present the wayang characters as human beings, complete with their names and their traits. Moreover, the performance is only at night and takes about 7-8 hours because it is intended for the spiritual journey in understanding the essence of life and taking ourselves closer to the Almighty God.

In summary, wayang is a culture that keeps on growing and being loyal to its mission and function it has, that is as a medium of entertainment as well as messages deliverance. In other words, wayang is a means of information, education, and mass communication that are familiar to its supportive society, with its final purpose that is establishing the nation and country towards the realization of the just and wealthy Indonesia based on Pancasila (the 5 basic principles of the Republic of Indonesia).

Enjoy, peace, and love from Sukra. (020 010108)

Reference:
Indonesian Wayang Encyclopedia, Jakarta, Sena Wangi, 1999
http://www.wamister.ch/allerlei/exindo/wayang.jpg