The city of Jakarta is one that can boast of a myriad of different facets
. On one hand, its a bustling metropolis and a centre of commerce; on the other, it has an air of culture and arts mixed in with its history of colonialism. The Museum Wayang is an institution that explores the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia and the region. The museum is an integral part of the art and culture scene in the city, as it is one of the few places that showcase traditional puppetry.
Despite being a testament to the indigenous culture of the country, this museum itself is a wonderful reminder of the extent to which the colonials influenced Indonesia. It is housed in an old Dutch church that was constructed in the 17th century. The architecture of the building has undergone a few changes since its construction in 1640, as it was damaged during subsequent years by natural disaster and fires.
Puppet theatre in Indonesia is strongly influenced by Indian folklore and literature, as many of its performances are derived from stories such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Although puppetry is seen primarily as a means to entertain, the importance of morality and ethics are compounded through the storylines.
The puppets used in Javanese theatre are mostly made from wood while a few leather puppets are also used. Wayang puppetry is not confined only to Indonesia and the museum also has exhibits of puppets from other countries in the region such as Cambodia and China. The importance of the puppet museum in preserving a part of Javanese culture was further emphasized recently, with the United Nations declaring it a National Heritage Site.
Located within the busy city, the Wayang Museum can be accessed by the centralized apartments of Ascott Jakarta which is a great option even for long and short stay Jakarta accommodation.