Big thanks to Jakarta Good Guide for giving me such a wonderful experience at the Museum Wayang. This was my first time and truly unforgettable. Let me tell you why.
Originally, my plan was to accompany my sister to her hotel and then catch a Transjakarta bus to the museum. However, I underestimated the time it would take to get there. I leisurely strolled into Ashta mall, thinking it was still early, only to realize later that it was already 8:25 am, just 35 minutes before our meeting time. Murphy’s Law seemed to be in full effect as I rushed to the bus station, only to find that my bus was still ten minutes away. Typical!
The journey from Gelora Bung Karno to Kali Besar station took about 40 minutes that morning, and I arrived at 9:30 am. Thankfully, our guide, Pampam, had just begun delving into the history of wayang. We went through the usual pre-tour routine and snapping some photos in front of the museum.
The entrance fee was a mere 10k, but without joining the Jakarta Good Guide tour, it would have meant little to me. I probably would have spent no more than 15 minutes inside since I’m not well-versed in wayang. However, Pampam’s expertise truly brought the art form to life. He enlightened us about the evolution of wayang in Indonesia, from wayang golek to wayang kulit, wayang beber, and their respective narratives. We also explored wayang from various Indonesian provinces, as well as puppets from other countries, each showcasing unique characteristics.
Most Javanese wayang narratives revolve around the Mahabharata, and Pampam skillfully narrated these intricate stories, akin to a captivating telenovela. Among them, the tale of Rama and Sinta stood out to me. While traditionally a tale of triumph, Pampam introduced alternate versions, including one where Sinta faces exile after reuniting with Rama, a poignant departure from the usual happy ending. He also shared intriguing variations of the abduction story, shedding light on the complexity of characters like Rahwana and Sinta’s role as a symbol of enduring love.
Furthermore, we learned about the origin of Selendang Mayang, inspired by the scarves color of Mayangsari, a dancer whom Si Jampang fell in love with. The display of Unyil and his gang, crafted by Drs. Suyadi (or Mr. Raden), added a nostalgic touch.
Venturing into the international section, we encountered puppets from diverse cultures, including America (with Judy Punch making an appearance), Thailand, China, and Finland.
A surprising find in the museum was JP Coen Park, nestled amidst the exhibits, with tombstones, including that of JP Coen himself, serving as a reminder of the building’s past as a church.
These insights only scratch the surface of what Pampam shared. I highly recommend guided tours like this for a richer, more enlightening museum experience. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure.