Wayang Museum has a compilation of wayang from various territories in Indonesia and worldwide such as India, Europe, China, Vietnam and many more. The museum was housed at a former church built by VOC in 1640 with the name of “de oude Hollandsche Kerk”.
Furthermore, on every second, third and fourth Sunday each month, from 10 am to 2 pm, there is the Wayang performance.
Indonesia Puppets
The collections include both small and big size Indonesian leather puppet such as Kedu, Tejokusuman, Ngabean, Surakarta, Banyumas, Cirebon, Gedog, Sadat, Madia Krucil, Sasak, Kaper, Wahyu, Kijang Kencana, Ukur, Suluh, Klitik, and Beber.
Indonesian Wayang originates as a Royal Court culture for worship to the ancestors. Around 5th century, when Hindu got to Indonesia, values shifted. It is influenced by story like the Ramayana (the Story of Rama) and Mahabharata (the Great Bharata).
Display of the accompanied musical instrument for the Wayang are part of the exhibit in the Wayang Museum too.
Chinese Puppets
Some puppets from China are also on display in the museum.
Vietnam Water Puppets
The puppet characters of the Vietnam famous water puppetry are also on display.
Souvenirs
At the exit of the Wayang Museum, there is a counter selling various Puppets as souvenirs.
The puppets come in the form of key chains, bookmarks and ornaments too.
Some of the souvenirs are very meaningful since it comes with a writeup of the character.
NAHMJ Verdict
Despite the large and exhaustive collections of puppets worldwide, it is a shame that it doesn’t has enough English explanatory notes for the exhibits. As such, visitors can only admire the beauty of the artwork without much in depth appreciation and understanding.
In spite of the shortcoming, visiting on the second to forth Sunday is fruitful with Wayang Performance.
Wayang Museum
Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.27, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 6929560
Website: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/jakarta/shadow-puppets-museum.html
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday 0900 to 1500; Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Entrance Fee:
Per Pax – IDR 5k
Getting There
By Car, Taxi or Uber
Link to check out before you go: