Internalizing Islamic Educational Values through the Semar Mbangun Kayangan Shadow-Puppet Performance: A Qualitative Study in Mulyosari Village, Indonesia

This study aims to describe the character of Semar and identify and analyze the Islamic educational values represented in the Semar Mbangun Kayangan shadow puppet performance in Mulyosari Village, 16 Polos. It also examines the relevance of wayang philosophy as a medium for internalizing Islamic moral and spiritual teachings within the local community. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with puppeteers, religious leaders, and community members, and documentation. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings reveal that the Semar Mbangun Kayangan performance embodies two interconnected dimensions of Islamic educational values: divine values (ilahiyah), particularly faith in the power of Allah, and human values (insaniyah), including social and moral values. Through Semar's characterization and the storyline, these values are expressed through monotheism, sincerity, honesty, patience, gratitude, humility, and wisdom. The character of Semar symbolizes an ideal human figure (insan kamil) whose role extends beyond physical or material concerns to the development of conscience, spiritual awareness, and moral conduct. The study highlights the significance of traditional shadow puppetry as a culturally contextualized medium for communicating Islamic educational values. It demonstrates how local artistic traditions can connect religious teachings with everyday community life while supporting the preservation of cultural identity and moral values.