Together with the Community Da'wah Institution (LDK) of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PWM) of Central Java, RRI Semarang held a wayang kulit performance entitled “Ngamarto Binangun” in the courtyard of RRI Semarang on Saturday (8/11/2025) evening.
The performance featured two renowned puppeteers, Ki Sigid Ariyanto and Ki Ketut Budiman. Their collaboration presented an enchanting artistic atmosphere rich in philosophical meaning, marking a fusion between cultural preservation and enlightening da'wah.
The Head of the Public Broadcasting Institution (LPP) RRI Semarang, Atik Hindari, stated that this event was held to commemorate three important milestones simultaneously: National Wayang Day, Heroes' Day, and the 113th anniversary of Muhammadiyah. According to her, RRI has a moral responsibility to continue preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage so that it remains alive and known to future generations.
“As a public broadcasting institution, RRI has a strategic role in preserving the cultural values of the nation,” said Atik Hindari in her speech.
She added that RRI is not only a channel of information, but also a forum for education and cultural preservation. “We want the younger generation to not only be familiar with global culture, but also understand their own cultural roots,” she explained.
According to Atik, a great nation is one that respects its ancestral heritage. Therefore, every moment, such as Wayang Day, is an opportunity for RRI to strengthen national identity through traditional arts that are rich in moral messages.
Meanwhile, the chairman of PWM Central Java, Tafsir, who was present at the event, emphasized that Muhammadiyah does not reject culture, including wayang kulit. He considers wayang to be an effective and communicative means of preaching.
“I have attended wayang performances at RRI three times, and I see that wayang can be a good tool for preaching. There are many life lessons and moral values contained within it,” said Tafsir.
The Ngamarto Binangun play, he continued, has a deep philosophical meaning about the Pandavas' struggle in building Amarta. Values such as hard work, loyalty, and responsibility in the play can be a reflection for modern society.
“Wayang is a good tradition that needs to be preserved. Muhammadiyah greatly appreciates and preserves cultural heritage that carries noble values,” he said.
Last night's wayang kulit performance was not only a form of entertainment, but also a means of gathering and honoring figures who have contributed to social and cultural fields. On this occasion, RRI Semarang presented digital radios as tokens of appreciation to a number of community leaders. They included the Head of Karang Kidul Village, the Semarang Tengah Police Chief, the Semarang Tengah Sub-District Head, the Semarang Tengah Military Commander, and the Head of FKSB Division I.
In addition, awards were also given to the Head of the Tanjung Emas Semarang Maritime Meteorological Station, the Chair of PPLKS, the Chair of PWRI Central Java, the Chair of KSBN Central Java, two main puppeteers—Ki Ketut Budiman and Ki Sigid Ariyanto—as well as the Chair of LDK PWM Central Java AM Jumati, the Chair of PW Muhammadiyah Central Java Tafsir, and UPGRIS Professor Sudharto.
The presence of these figures from various professions shows that arts and culture can be a unifying space, a place where preaching, education, and preservation of traditions intertwine.
The “Ngamarto Binangun” performance at RRI Semarang proves that culture and preaching do not have to run separately. In the harmony of gamelan and wayang stories, Islamic and national values meet, teaching the community about the importance of preserving ancestral heritage while continuing to spread values of goodness.
