RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A series of events celebrating World Puppet Day 2026 will receive official backing from the Ministry of Culture as part of a national effort to honor Indonesia’s world-renowned puppetry traditions.

Minister Fadli Zon announced the government's involvement during a media briefing in Jakarta on Saturday, February 21, 2026, noting that the celebrations will take place in the cultural hub of Yogyakarta from April 24 to 26. Through this endorsement, the Ministry seeks to encourage the regeneration of wayang artists and ensure that this ancient system of knowledge remains a living reflection of cultural wisdom in the modern era.

The Minister emphasized that protecting this traditional art form is a collective national duty. "I welcome this initiative, because the effort to preserve Indonesian Wayang is our shared task and responsibility," Minister Fadli said, as quoted by Antara.

During a meeting with representatives from the Union Internationale de la Marionnette d’Indonesie (UNIMA), the Minister highlighted the incredible diversity of puppet traditions across the archipelago. He noted that Indonesia possesses an extraordinary range of variants that must be actively maintained.

Minister Fadli specifically pointed out several unique styles that define the nation's cultural wealth. "The variants of wayang have been extraordinary since the past, including classic wayang such as Wayang Wahyu, Wayang Sukha, Wayang Krucil, and many other varieties," he remarked.

Wayang has been recognized as a world intangible cultural heritage since 2003, a status that confirms its universal value as a system of knowledge and artistic expression. UNIMA President Dimas Samodra Rum explained that the 2026 celebration will feature a wide array of classic performances and rare, endangered puppet styles.

In addition to traditional showcases, the event will serve as a hub for contemporary creators and local businesses. "Besides art performances, the activities also include cultural seminars, artist meeting rooms, cultural work exhibitions, and the involvement of tradition-based MSMEs," Dimas added.

The Ministry of Culture remains committed to enhancing the preservation and development of puppetry through targeted policies and cross-sector collaboration. This effort aims to strengthen the entire puppetry ecosystem rather than just hosting one-off ceremonial events.

Ultimately, the government plans to ensure the sustainability of this art form through regeneration and direct support for local communities and studios. By fostering a vibrant environment for practitioners, the Ministry hopes to keep the wisdom and cultural reflection of wayang alive for future generations. ***