Preserving the 13th-century Indonesian Wayang Beber show using an automated player and contemporary illustrations design

This study explores the preservation of Indonesia's cultural heritage by modernizing the Wayang Beber tradition. As a 13th-century storytelling art form, Wayang Beber has struggled to engage younger audiences due to the rise of digital entertainment. To address this, the research integrates automated technology and contemporary artistic styles into performances, aiming to revitalize interest while maintaining cultural authenticity. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to develop a automated Wayang Beber player using Raspberry Pi stepper motors, RGB lighting, and contemporary illustrations to narrate Indonesian folklore, including Si Kancil, Ande-Ande Lumut , and Malin Kundang . Data from 98 respondents at the MIS Festival 2025 at Bina Nusantara University highlighted strong audience engagement: 87% found the contemporary visuals captivating, and 85% agreed that animation and visual effects enhanced the appeal for young viewers. The findings suggest that, in this exhibition-based evaluation, combining traditional storytelling with technological support was associated with higher reported engagement, indicating potential for cultural heritage presentation aligned with SDG 11. • Development of an automated Wayang Beber storytelling system using Raspberry Pi and stepper motor control. • Integration of contemporary visual design with traditional scroll-based storytelling. • Audience evaluation conducted with 98 respondents during a cultural exhibition. • Visual design, lighting, and audio significantly increased engagement among younger audiences. • Demonstrates a hybrid technological approach for preserving endangered intangible cultural heritage.