LEGAL PROTECTION OF WAYANG GOLEK CEPAK INDRAMAYU ARTISTIC CULTURAL EXPRESSION

Cultural expression encompasses all forms of creative work that depict the existence of a traditional culture. Cultural expressions can manifest as tangible objects, intangible heritage, or a combination of both. A distinctive art form is the Wayang Golek Cepak of Indramayu, which possesses unique characteristics and differences compared to the general forms of wayang golek and wayang kulit in terms of puppet design and narrative flow. What sets this wayang apart is that its stories, plotlines, and the appearance of its characters are not derived from standard wayang conventions. The Indramayu Cepak wayang golek does not have a 'telekung' (head covering) on its head, hence it is called 'pipih' (flat). Currently, public response to Wayang Golek Cepak performances is declining with the influx of Western culture into Indonesia. Consequently, Cepak wayang performances are experiencing dwindling audiences and enthusiasts. The majority of young people and even the Indramayu community are unaware of their own local art forms. They are only familiar with the mask dance ('tari topeng'), whereas Indramayu has many other distinctive art forms that remain unknown to them, especially the Wayang Golek Cepak. By increasing socialization efforts regarding the natural wealth and distinctive arts of Indramayu to the community, particularly the younger generation, it is hoped that in the future, all art forms in Indramayu will not be overshadowed by the numerous modern cultures entering the region. This will also enhance knowledge and cultivate talent among the successors of Indramayu's distinctive arts, especially the Pagelaran Wayang Cepak Indramayu (Cepak Wayang Golek Performance of Indramayu), which currently seems to be in a state of dormancy and is on the verge of being lost to the tide of Western cultural globalization.