Sasak puppetry, detraditionalization, and cultural policy: An interpretative phenomenology analysis

The Sasak shadow puppetry tradition, or wayang Sasak, from the Lombok Island of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, stories derive from Serat Menak. Sasak shadow puppetry, in contrast to wayang in other parts of Indonesia, is stagnating and faces potential erosion in modern performances. This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to the slow development of wayang Sasak. The study gathered data from a sample of 18 participants using a combination of ethnographic techniques and semi-structured interviews. The research focused on the historical, philosophical, functional, and developmental aspects of Sasak shadow puppetry in relation to digital technology, fashion, tourism, and cultural policy. The study applied an interpretative phenomenological analysis method based on a phenomenological hermeneutic approach to explore and interpret the results from the interviews. The research found that a non-governmental organisation, Sekolah Pedalangan Wayang Sasak (SPWS), has proposed an innovative program for developing Sasak puppetry using AI, bottles, and puppets, along with regular guidance, to improve children’s understanding of puppets. This study also identified significant factors that have impeded the progress of Sasak puppetry. First, there is a lack, if not an absence, of reliable written references to the history and sources of Sasak puppet stories. Additionaly, the older and younger generations have not yet reached agreement on modernizing Sasak puppetry and the Sasak puppet actors, puppeteers, musicians, and leather workers face a challenging situation, including issues with funding, the availability of cow leather for puppet making, and the need for regeneration among puppeteers and crafters. Local and central government policies, as well as cultural policies, have not had an impact on maximizing the potential of Sasak puppetry. These findings require further action by all parties to develop Sasak puppets for local and global recognition.