© 2024 Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0).
TRAMES, 2024, 28(78/73), 2, 189–208
HERITAGE IN MOTION: SAFEGUARDING THE CULTURAL
LEGACY OF WAYANG KULIT KEDU, INDONESIA
Indra Fibiona
1
, Gregorius Andika Ariwibowo
2
, Sumarno
3
, Titi Mumfangati
4
,
Yustina Hastrini Nurwanti
5
, and Arief Dwinanto
6
1
Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Indonesia
2,3,4,5,6
National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
Abstract. This article explores the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in
preserving Wayang Kulit Kedu, an important Indonesian cultural heritage art performance.
It identifies the diminishing engagement of the younger generations with traditional arts as a
critical issue. The objective was to assess strategies for revitalizing youth interest in Wayang
Kulit Kedu. This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze historical data, contemporary
practices, and educational initiatives. This conclusion underscores the importance of
integrating Wayang Kulit Kedu into educational curricula, leveraging digital platforms
for broader dissemination, and fostering community-based preservation efforts. These
strategies are essential for ensuring the survival and relevance of the art form in modern
society, highlighting its unique cultural value, and fostering a sustainable connection with
future generations.
Keywords: cultural heritage preservation, intangible cultural heritage, safeguarding cultural
heritage, Wayang Kulit, Central Java, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3176/tr.2024.2.06
Received 1 March 2024, accepted 9 May 2024, printed and available online 20 June 2024