Virtual Heritage Event: Potehi Wayang, A 3D Puppet Tradition
This edition of the Virtual Heritage event explores Potehi Wayang, a three-dimensional puppet tradition presented by the Rumah Cinwa (Cinta Wayang) community. This community was founded on November 23, 2014, starting in the garage of one of the founders' parents, Mrs. Woro Mastusi. "Our goal is to introduce Potehi Wayang to the public because wayang is an Indonesian cultural heritage officially recognized by UNESCO," she emphasized.
In case you didn’t know, Indonesia’s wayang tradition was declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on November 7, 2003.
📷 Photo Source: Traval Virtual Heritage
The Art of Potehi Wayang
Just like other forms of wayang, Potehi also requires a dalang (puppet master). Since there are many characters and voices involved, a Potehi performance typically requires at least two dalang to divide the character roles. Additionally, there is usually one assistant dalang responsible for preparing the puppets, such as changing their costumes to match the characters.
"So, does being a dalang mean you need to have the skill to produce multiple voices? Since there are so many characters with different voices, how did you learn it, Mas Cecep? Or were you just naturally talented?" asked J Ryan.
📷 Photo Source: Traval Virtual Heritage
"I believe everyone has a talent, but practice is still necessary—at the very least, getting used to modifying voices. For example, changing from a deep voice to a high-pitched one," answered Cecep, a millennial dalang from Rumah Cinwa.
Music in Potehi Wayang Performances
Potehi wayang performances feature two main types of musical instruments: percussion and melodic instruments. One distinctive instrument is the Piak Ko, made of wood and producing a sharp, resonant sound.
"Musically speaking, are there specific songs, or do you just follow the rhythm set by the dalang?" Jay asked Sekar, one of Rumah Cinwa’s lead musicians.
"We usually follow the tempo and atmosphere created by the dalang, as the music’s role is to build the ambiance of the story," she responded briefly.
In traditional Javanese wayang performances, the dalang sings Suluk, a form of vocal chant that sets the mood for different scenes using Javanese-language melodies. In Potehi wayang, however, Suluk is not sung but recited as poetry in the Hokkien language.
📷 Photo Source: Traval Virtual Heritage
Virtual Heritage: "Potehi Wayang – Journey to the West"
This Virtual Heritage event presents The Journey to the West series, focusing on Bhiksu Tong and Sun Go Kong’s encounter with a family whose son-in-law has a pig-like face. The pig demon, known as Ti Pat Kay, eventually repents and joins Bhiksu Tong and Sun Go Kong. The moral of the story is that every person possesses both good and bad traits, but kindness, love, and tolerance will ultimately lead to peace, serenity, and happiness.
Exciting, isn’t it? You can watch the full show on YouTube: Pesona Indonesia, and don’t forget—there are more Virtual Heritage events coming up! Check the schedule at Traval’s website: www.traval.co.
