Narasimha Sunset Show Turns Archaeological Discovery into Tourism Innovation

RRI.CO.ID, Sleman - Unearthed in 1975 at Bukit Ijo, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan Subdistrict, Sleman, Yogyakarta, the Narasimha statue has evolved into a creative tourism attraction.

The transformation was highlighted during the Narasimha Sunset Show on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Tebing Breksi (Breksi Cliff), where the half‑man, half‑lion figure of Hindu mythology came alive through drama, dance, music, and visual storytelling against the limestone cliffs.

Developed under the Student Organization Capacity Building Program (PPK Ormawa) of Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University’s English Department Student Association (EDSA), the production was staged in collaboration with the Sambirejo community and village administration.

Actor Muhammad Amrullah delivered a compelling portrayal of Narasimha while co‑writing the script with Fawwaz Skyezaki and Puthut Ardianto, adapting the ancient tale for modern audiences.

The performance centered on the clash between Prahlada’s devotion and King Hiranyakashipu’s arrogance, culminating in Narasimha’s dramatic arrival, a moment that drew loud cheers from hundreds of spectators.

The show was designed not only to retell mythology but also to shape local identity, turning heritage into an immersive cultural experience. As the sun set, shifting light across Breksi’s cliffs became part of the spectacle itself.

Officials underscored the collaborative spirit behind the initiative. Sleman Tourism Agency Head Edy Winarya noted that partnerships between villages, universities, and academics can help communities harness their strengths to create innovative tourism experiences.

Sambirejo Village Head Wahyu Nugroho added that such programs directly benefit residents while supporting wider tourism development.

Audience members echoed the sentiment. Aris Widaryanti, a teacher at state-run senior high school SMAN 1 Kalasan, praised the show as “beautifully presented” and memorable, helping Sambirejo’s culture reach broader audiences.

The initiative involved PPK Ormawa EDSA PBI UMY, the Sambirejo Community Information Group (KIM), and performers from Sanggar Unggah‑Ungguh Sambirejo, reinforcing its community‑based character.

Led by student chair Reva Audya under lecturer Puthut Ardianto, the project reflects a broader vision: destinations need not invent new identities, as their strongest stories often lie in landscapes and collective memory.

From a statue unearthed in 1975 to a stage performance in 2026, Narasimha has returned to Sambirejo in a new form: not merely as an artifact, but as a cultural icon linking archaeology, performing arts, and tourism within the Prambanan heritage landscape. ***