Wayang Potehi Keeps Tradition Alive at Yogyakarta’s Chinese Culture Week 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - Wayang Potehi performances have emerged as a must-see attraction at Kampoeng Ketandan during the 21st Yogyakarta Chinese Culture Week (PBTY), running from the opening on February 25 through the closing on March 3, 2026.

These traditional glove puppets, which originated in Fujian, China, serve as a symbol of Nusantara acculturation, particularly in Java, as they are played on small stages accompanied by traditional Chinese music.

Each day of the festival, the troupe brings to life the history of General Sie Jin Kwie's loyalty to the Tang Dynasty, ensuring that this ancient "cloth bag" puppet art remains a cornerstone of the PBTY festivities for all spectators.

Sutarto, the master puppeteer from the Fu He An troupe based at the Tri Dharma Hong San Kiong Temple in Gudo Subdistrict, Jombang, East Java, is currently performing at the 21st PBTY. Accompanied by his assistant, he revealed that this marks their 21st consecutive appearance at the festival, having participated every year since the event was first established in 2006.

"We perform twice daily during this week-long event, with the first show running from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m and the second from 8 p.m to 10 p.m. local time," Sutarto said, recently.

"The story we present is a serial about a young man in white named Sie Jin Kwie, a lowly soldier who uses his superior martial arts skills and immense strength to rise through the ranks," he explained.

He noted that the tale concludes with the protagonist achieving his dreams and eventually becoming a legendary war general within the Tang Dynasty. Sutarto expressed his deep hope that this art form will continue to be staged regularly, especially since PBTY has now become a permanent annual cultural agenda.

"Wayang Potehi is a rare art form that few people can master or find elsewhere, which is why we must always perform it to remind the elders of the past so they will bring their children to watch," he stated.

He believes the show serves as a bridge between generations, preserving a legacy that is increasingly difficult to encounter in modern times. The veteran puppeteer highlighted that the uniqueness of Wayang Potehi lies in its distinct narratives and the deep moral philosophies embedded within the dialogue.

"The stories contain gentle yet powerful lessons on how to strive for a better future, offering values of goodness that differentiate Potehi from other types of traditional puppetry," Sutarto added.

Having started his journey at the age of 13, Sutarto has now dedicated approximately 50 years of his life to mastering the craft of the glove puppet.

"Our group is so deeply familiar with the stories and techniques that we no longer require rehearsals; we simply go straight into the live performance," he remarked. His decades of experience allow the troupe to deliver shows that draw from a lifetime of artistic devotion.

It is essential that Wayang Potehi continues to be nurtured and protected so that future generations do not lose touch with this heritage. By ensuring these performances remain a staple of the cultural landscape, children and grandchildren will always have the opportunity to witness the wisdom of the glove puppet performance for years to come. ***