The Wayang as a Cultural Performance: Preserving Javanese Heritage in the Modern Era

Wayang, a traditional Javanese performance art, embodies deep cultural, spiritual, and philosophical values. This study examines wayang golek as a cultural representation of Javanese heritage and explores its contemporary relevance. Employing a historical research method, the study traces its evolution, sociocultural functions, and adaptive strategies in response to globalization and cultural shifts. Findings reveal that despite the dominance of popular culture and digital media, wayang golek endures through innovation, educational integration, and digital dissemination. The sustained efforts of puppeteers (dalang), art communities, educational institutions, and government policies are crucial to its preservation. This study affirms wayang as a living cultural performance with transformative potential in today’s sociocultural context.