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: