RUMAKET 2026 Showcases Wayang’s Transformation for a New Generation

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Yogyakarta City Administration, through its Cultural Agency, has launched Ruang Masyarakat Ketemu (RUMAKET) 2026 under the theme “Hageganti: Transformasi Wayang Jogja” at Taman Pintar, October 4–10. This year’s program highlights how wayang (puppet) continues to evolve as a living cultural heritage adapting to modern times.

The opening on Sunday evening, October 4, featured a mindful eating session with Sego Gurih (savory rice), followed by the performance “Wayang Playground: Assembling the Puzzle to Alengka.”

The show brought together participants from the puppetry training program with the Indonesian Puppeteers Association (PEPADI Yogyakarta, blending wayang kulit purwa (shadow puppets), wayang golek purwa (wooden puppets), and wayang kancil (fable puppets), accompanied by traditional gamelan music.

Designed to introduce wayang to children through play, Wayang Playground encouraged young audiences not only to watch but also to interact with stories and games that teach cooperation, courage, friendship, respect for diversity, and forgiveness.

Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan emphasized that the theme Hageganti (Transformation) reflects change as part of cultural heritage’s journey. “Heritage may change, but it must not lose its soul,” he said. He noted that wayang has transformed in form, performance spaces, technology, and audience engagement -- changes that help keep the tradition alive and relevant.

Wawan added that cultural education for children should connect with their daily lives. “Children play puzzles and learn cooperation. They play wayang and learn courage, friendship, diversity, and forgiveness,” he explained.

RUMAKET serves as a meeting space between culture and community, allowing traditions to be experienced directly by children, families, artists, and local communities. The 2026 edition was opened by Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan, Cultural Office Head Yetti Martanti, and PEPADI Yogyakarta Chair Faizal Noor Singgih, marked by the symbolic tapping of a wayang box.

Beyond performances, RUMAKET 2026 presents the exhibition Hageganti: Transformasi Wayang Jogja, inviting visitors to explore wayang’s journey and its role in society. The week‑long program also features art shows, intangible heritage talks, children’s games, workshops, storytelling, animated wayang screenings, and culinary heritage offerings.

Through these activities, RUMAKET 2026 positions tradition not as something threatened by change, but as a living heritage that adapts, thrives, and can be passed on to future generations. (Annaila Azzahra)