The Preservation of Wayang Beber as Indonesian Original Art (A Case Study in Kabupaten Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia)

Abstract

Wayang beber is a kind of artistic exhibition from Indonesia. This art originates from a district in East Java, which is Pacitan. Wayang beber art has a certain uniqueness setting it apart from other wayang arts. But with the information technology development that currently showcased all sorts of entertainment in modern and interesting package, so that it makes Wayang Beber becomes less appealing, especially to young generations. As anoriginal cultural art of Indonesia, Wayang Beber needs to be preserved. Regarding said matter, this research discuss how the works of preserving Wayang Beber in Kabupaten Pacitan, which is the origin of Wayang Beber growth, are. The purpose of this research is to find out the measures taken by the government and citizen of Kabupaten Pacitan on preserving the art of wayangbeber. This research employs a qualitative research design and descriptive case study research type. The informants used for this research are three persons. The data collection techniques are non-participative observation, interview, and document study. Whereas, the data are collected through primary and secondary data sources. The result of this research explained that Wayang Beber still exists because it frequently appears in various events, either in Kabupaten Pacitan area or outside of Pacitan area. Regarding of Wayang Beber’s physical preservation, there is no special treatment and fairly traditional. Whereas the art preservation is done by training new masters of puppet, holding workshops on Wayang Beber, organizing various events to introduce Wayang Beber to the young generations through literature teacher communities, performing Wayang Beber in a number of other media such as showcased in paintings, dances, and other modern and contemporary art media. In addition, Pacitan Library also tries to provide information about Wayang Beber in printed collections format. Although the information provided is limited, the library also has plans to provide information of Wayang Beber in other formats such as recording of Wayang Beber show and its story in CD format. And so it is hoped that the young generation becomes more attracted to enjoy this traditional art so that Wayang Beber could be preserved as Indonesia’s art.