Wayang Santri: Unique Tradition Of Javanese Commmunity With Moral Teachings
MUAR, July 21 (Bernama) — Wayang Santri stage performances may still be unfamiliar to many Malaysians, but this unique art form holds deep roots in the Javanese community across the Indonesian archipelago, where it has been passed down from generation to generation.
According to a young millennial Wayang Santri puppeteer, Ki Haryo Susilo Enthus Susmono, many Malaysians still mistakenly associate Wayang Santri with wayang kulit, particularly the well-known versions from Kelantan and Terengganu.
He said it was to address this misconception that the Wayang Santri stage tour was launched in Johor and Kuala Lumpur, starting July 19, to introduce the traditional art form to Malaysian audiences.
'Beyond serving as a platform for cross-cultural artistic exchange, the tour also aims to strengthen cultural ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, which share a deep and inseparable heritage.
'Unlike wayang kulit, which is performed behind a screen, Wayang Santri or also known as wayang golek, is performed live using wooden puppets,' he told Bernama after the Malaysia Wayang Santri Tour 2025: Indonesia-Malaysia Cultural Diplomacy at Keraton Mbah Anang here recently.
Keraton Mbah Anang, a centre for cultural activities rooted in Javanese customs and traditions, served as the venue for the Wayang Santri performance in Johor.
Ki Haryo explained that the Wayang Santri performances are distinctive in their emphasis on moral teachings and Islamic dakwah narratives, with the stories often about the Islamic kingdom of Sunan Kalijaga and are interwoven with contemporary elements, while remaining true to the original concept and values.
Ki Haryo, who inherited the puppeteering skills from his father, the legendary Ki Enthus Susmono, shared that each performance is supported by 17 to 20 musicians who play a variety of traditional instruments, including the demung, saron, gong, bonang and Sundanese drums, alongside modern instruments like the violin and keyboard.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
'Mirugasirisham' elevates Malaysian Tamil cinema with Dolby Atmos sound
The film follows a family entangled in a web of paranormal mysteries. Seeking answers, they turn to a spiritual guru, portrayed by Vijay himself. 25 Jul 2025 04:00pm The film was released nationwide on June 19 in both 2D and 2D ATMOS formats. - Photo via Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - 'Mirugasirisham: The Orion', a Malaysian Tamil horror-comedy, has carved its name in local film history as the first Tamil-language production to feature Dolby Atmos sound technology. Directed by Vijay Ganesh and produced by Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan under Fivestar AV, the film follows a family entangled in a web of paranormal mysteries. Seeking answers, they turn to a spiritual guru, portrayed by Vijay himself. The movie cast includes Joshua Shashi Kumar, Jegan Shanmugam, Nirmala Tharmarajan, Kumari and Komalaa Naaidu, with music composed by Shane Xtreme. - Photo via Bernama The film was released nationwide on June 19 in both 2D and 2D ATMOS formats. "'Mirugasirisham' represents our commitment to elevating local storytelling through technological innovation and heartfelt performances,' Vijay told Bernama after attending a pre-recording session of Bernama Tamil News talk show 'Paarvai' at Wisma Bernama here, recently. The movie cast includes Joshua Shashi Kumar, Jegan Shanmugam, Nirmala Tharmarajan, Kumari and Komalaa Naaidu, with music composed by Shane Xtreme. Subtitled in Malay and English to broaden its reach, 'Mirugasirisham' has generated positive buzz across social media, reflecting growing interest in Malaysian Tamil cinema. Despite the momentum, Vijay admitted that local films still face challenges in cinema attendance, partly due to the average ticket price of RM20. "Cinema outings can be expensive for many families, especially those from the B40 community. We believe lowering ticket prices could help attract more viewers to support homegrown films,' he said. Vijay also urged the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and relevant government bodies to extend greater support, including funding and production collaboration, to help filmmakers focus on creativity and quality. "With the right partnerships and resources, we are confident Malaysian Tamil cinema can grow stronger and we can continue sharing our unique stories with pride,' he added. - BERNAMA
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Two Malaysians defy limits to leave a legacy of creativity and courage
Disability is never the end of possibilities. With support, understanding and love, every individual can live a full, purposeful life and inspire those around them. No one lived that truth more fully than two extraordinary Malaysians who defied their respective physical and neurological limitations to build extraordinary lives. Although tech entrepreneur Tan Thong Kai and artist Janet Lee have passed on, their stories continue to demonstrate how love and support can empower even the most vulnerable among us to live not just ordinary lives, but impactful ones. Despite his physical disability, Thong Kai was active and independent. He wasn't defined by his condition and just wanted to live a normal, full life. Photo: Tan Thong Kai Thong Kai was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. As a result, he wasn't able to walk and required a wheelchair to move around. When he was six days old, he had already suffered his first fracture during a bath. Growing up, his bones fractured easily, often healing poorly, leaving him with misaligned limbs. Yet, none of that stopped him from living his life to the fullest. He studied computer science, started his own business, travelled alone across continents and became a respected figure in Malaysia's e-sports community. Despite enduring pain, multiple surgeries and stares from strangers, Tan responded to life with humour, tenacity and unshakeable positivity. 'If a kid asked why he looked different, he'd joke, 'I didn't listen to my parents' advice to eat my vegetables, so make sure you do!'' reveals his sister Tan Li Lynn. 'Ah Kai turned awkward moments into laughter.' 'He made his difficult life seemed easy,' his brother Tan Jun Tat, adds. 'He always used to say 'Aspire to inspire', and he's definitely an inspiration to all of us.' Tan is survived by his younger siblings: sisters Tan Lay Hui, 36, and Li Lynn, 32, and twin brothers, Jun Liang and Jun Tat, both 28, and his father Datuk CS Tan, 69, a widower. Janet was an artist who expressed herself through colours. Photo: The Star/Samuel Ong Janet's journey was different but no less remarkable. Born a healthy baby, she began having seizures at 18 months and was later diagnosed with intractable epilepsy – which meant her condition couldn't be treated with medication. She often collapsed without warning, suffering bruises and injuries. By the age of 16, Janet still couldn't read or write. 'No one could explain why,' says her mother, Joyce Moi, 69. 'There was nothing wrong with her brain nor her eyes.' It wasn't until a specialist in Australia suggested that the issue could be a neurological disconnect between her brain and vision that the pieces finally came together. 'An educational consultant in Melbourne said Janet's reading and writing issues could be hindered because of her vision. While her eyes and brain were fine, the connection between them wasn't,' reveals Moi. Faced with two choices – to help her daughter live within her limitations or push her to discover her fullest potential – Moi chose the latter. That decision changed everything. Janet became an artist, expressing herself not through conventional techniques but through colours. 'She was a colourist,' Moi explains. 'Her art expressed her feelings, thoughts and moods through vibrant hues and shades.' Her works found homes in galleries, on fashion and premium items, and even in people's homes and offices as part of curated collections. Janet began using WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and could even order online meals independently. 'That might not seem like much to others,' says Moi. 'But for someone who was diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally disabled, she had come incredibly far.' Tan surprised everyone by travelling alone to Seattle for The International, an annual Dota 2 competition. He is pictured here with the Malaysian Dota 2 team. Photo: Tan Thong Kai While Janet's canvas was colour, Thong Kai's playground was digital. In 2003, he discovered Dota 2 – a multiplayer strategy game – and it quickly became his passion. Even though his physical condition made fast reflexes difficult, his strategic mind thrived. In 2021, Thong Kai joined the Ideal Coaching Global programme in Kuala Lumpur, training to help other players reach their potential. 'He told us it gave him confidence and purpose,' says Jun Tat. 'He couldn't always compete physically, but he could teach – and he was brilliant at it.' He even travelled alone to gaming tournaments and events in the United States, Norway and Ireland. 'He proved that physical limits didn't mean life limits,' he says. Janet, too, found meaning beyond her personal growth. Inspired by her journey, her family founded the House of Janet Lee, an initiative to mentor mothers of neurodivergent children. The project, encouraged by her father, Lee Tiam, 70, spearheaded by her mother, and named by her sister Joanne Lee, 42, aims to equip families with the tools and knowledge to help their children reach their potential. 'Every child deserves a chance, whether able-bodied, disabled or neurodivergent,' says Moi. 'That's what Janet taught us.' In 2022, Thong Kai (pictured with brother Jun Tat) opened Mecha, a mechanical keyboard store in Subang Jaya. Photo: Tan Thong Kai In 2022, Thong Kai opened Mecha, a mechanical keyboard store in Subang Jaya. It was one of the first of its kind in Malaysia, offering fully customised keyboards. 'It was his dream business,' says Jun Tat. 'He loved tech, design and wanted people to have keyboards tailored to their needs. Ah Kai understood struggle, so he always wanted to make things easier for others.' Thong Kai's store became a haven for keyboard enthusiasts – and a symbol of his resilience. His customers weren't just buying a product; they were witnessing a story of overcoming obstacles, and the of joy found in craft and connection. He was also a fan of Taiwanese singer and actor Jay Chou, never missing a concert in over 20 years. 'Jay Chou even asked from the stage, 'Is my fan Ah Kai here tonight?' That's how well he knew him,' says Li Lynn. Furthermore, he adored Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and even met him once. 'Despite living with disability, Ah Kai was active and independent. He wasn't defined by his condition. He just wanted to live a normal, full life,' she adds. Janet was a colourist and expressed her feelings, thoughts and moods through vibrant hues and shades. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon Despite his physical fragility, Thong Kai's kindness was boundless. He was known among friends as the 'life of the party' – always cracking jokes, always ready to play games or hang out. But behind that infectious laugh was a deeply generous spirit, reveals one of his friends, Jeremy Tan. Once, a magician shared on social media that his gear had been stolen. Thong Kai had only met him once but immediately loaned him RM2,000. "Just want to help lah," he had said. 'Whenever anyone was feeling down because of difficulties, he'd say: 'You're healthy – you can find a way to solve this problem',' Jeremy recalls. Janet (right), pictured with her parents, has a legacy that lives on through her art (featured onfashion). The Star/Samuel Ong On Apr 21, Tan and his family had dinner together. 'It was such a happy night,' says Li Lynn. 'We didn't know it would be our last.' Their father flew to Australia that evening. The next morning, Tan developed breathing difficulties and couldn't be revived. The shock was immense. 'Most people with his condition don't live past 20,' their father confided. 'That he reached nearly 40 was already a miracle.' Thong Kai's siblings are still processing the loss. 'He taught us that life isn't about what you can't do,' says Li Lynn. 'It's about how much you give, how much you love, and how bravely you live.' When Janet passed away from ovarian cancer in 2023 at the age of 33, her family was devastated too, but they knew her journey wasn't over. Through her art and the House of Janet Lee, her story continues to guide other families in finding strength, even in hardship. These two never let their disabilities define them. Instead, they defined themselves through action, expression, joy and love. Their lives remind us that every individual – regardless of capability – has the potential to thrive, to give and to inspire. It starts with being believed in and loved.
Rakyat Post
7 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
Malaysia's Pioneer Coffee Festival Returns to KL — Pesta Kopi Brews Up Its 8th Edition At Semua House
Subscribe to our FREE Coffee lovers, mark your calendars. Pesta Kopi, Malaysia's pioneering coffee festival, returns to Kuala Lumpur for its 8th edition — and its 3rd time in the capital city. Happening on 8–10 August 2025, this year's celebration lands in the heart of the city at Semua House, a revitalised creative and retail hub known for spotlighting homegrown brands and cultural experiences. Whether you're a seasoned home brewer, café hopper, or just love a good flat white, this year's festival promises a weekend of discoveries, flavours, and coffee-fuelled fun. Expect a dynamic mix of over 50 coffee brands from Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond — featuring passionate roasters, specialty importers, and rising names from the region's buzzing café scene. Among this year's participants are local favourites like Whatever Works and 103 Coffee, alongside five top Indonesian coffee brands flying in specially for the weekend. From single-origin beans to limited-edition blends, this is where Malaysia's coffee culture comes to life. Festival Highlights: A curated selection of beans from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Africa and more. A showcase of coffee gear — from entry-level setups to pro-grade machines. Pastries, desserts, and café-style bites for the perfect pairing. And beyond the brew, there's a full weekend of exciting activities: The crowd-favourites Latte Art Throwdown & Sweetlab – A Lab For Liquid Rebels mixologist competition (both presented by Lesweet) — a high-energy showdown featuring Malaysia's most creative baristas. Beginner-friendly, hands-on classes such as Latte Art Workshop and Know Your Roasters Workshop led by experts – perfect for beginners, home brewers, and anyone eager to elevate their coffee skills with creativity! The Cup Doodling Competition by Coffex — open to all ages with prizes including RM1,000 cash prizes and 3-month coffee supply and exclusive brewing tools up for grabs! Karta and Tos Tos Tortilla Chips in partnership with Projek 59 and Box KL presents Rise 'N Grind, a Sunday morning run with KL's foremost running crews, with post-run refreshments, DJ sessions and a lucky draw to liven up your Sunday morning! Karta's 'Tropical Thunder Coconut Mix Challenge' , where aspiring and seasoned mixologists get to push their creativity limits to craft the most unique coffee-infused beverages with Karta's coconut water. 'Snack Like a Rockstar!' competition by Tos Tos Tortilla Chips – where the loudest bite wins! Winners get to bring home exciting prizes of up to RM500 cash and goodie bags. Music lovers , take note: a curated lineup of DJ sets from DJ collective Beats and Brew will be soundtracking the weekend, bringing laid-back grooves and upbeat energy to the festival atmosphere. Plus, don't miss the Hitz FM A Chill on Saturday from 11am to 1pm — featuring Hitz DJs live on deck for a mid-morning session of chill vibes and great coffee. So if you live for a great cup, love café culture, or just want to soak in a community that's all about good vibes and great coffee — Pesta Kopi KL 2025 is the place to be. 8–10 August 2025 | Semua House | Free Entry Find out more about the Pesta Kopi KL via their Instagram Page: @pestakopi @semuahousekl. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
