The peak of the 7th Anniversary of the Diponegoro University Vocational School launched the Cultural Vocational Village marked by a contemporary Wayang Kulit (leather shadow puppets) art performance featuring 7 Dalang and 7 Sinden performing a play entitled “Bharatawarsa.” The event took place at the Imam Barjo Auditorium, Undip Pleburan Campus, on Saturday (21/10) evening.
In his speech, Undip Rector, Prof. Dr. Yos Johan Utama, S.H., M.Hum., said that the Vocational School is part of Undip and has become an icon at Undip. The success is proven by Undip alumni getting jobs the fastest.
“Continue to develop, continue to rise and develop existing potential so that in the end the jargon ‘It’s Vocational Champion Time’ will truly become a reality,” said the Rector.
On this occasion, the Dean of the Vocational School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., conveyed that the cultural vocational village is a unique platform designed to celebrate the combination of vocational education and cultural richness. Through various exciting activities and programs, this initiative aims to empower students, educators and the community with vocational skills while preserving and promoting diverse cultural heritage. The Wayang Kulit performance was held with 7 Dalang and 7 Sinden. This performance is not only artistic entertainment but also an embodiment of harmony between cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.
“The presence of the Cultural Vocational Village is a form of real commitment from Undip. The rural area will become the center for organizing training courses on various vocational skills as well as developing various business units based on local excellence. “Hopefully, at the age of 7, the Vocational School Undip will walk steadily, stand tall, and be enthusiastic about building our beloved Undip,” said Prof. Budiyono.
Meanwhile, this contemporary wayang kulit performance told the story of King Bharata’s efforts to expand his territory to the babat Alas Ingas, which later established the Negara Ngastina. Bharata was the son of Duswanta and Sakuntala. He inherited the throne from his father, who was a great king of his time. However, when Bharata led Prayasa, rebellions arose from neighboring countries. The largest troops were the Magada country and the Angga country. These two countries always disturb the peace of the Prayasa people. War broke out, killing major Senapati from three countries.
Prabu Bharata asked for advice from his grandfather, Resi Kanwa, and then went to meditate on the slopes of the Himalayas. Lord Ganesha came down to guide him. The gods ordered Bharata to expand his country to Alas Ingas. He was ready and went to Alas Ingas. While he was knocking down trees on Alas Ingas, a guard on the pedestal appeared in the form of a gigantic elephant and attacked Bharata. However, the elephant was defeated by Bharata and transformed into a knight named Gajahoya. From this incident, Bharata called the area Gajahoya. With the establishment of the Gajahoya Kedaton, Bharata’s power became greater and stronger. (LW – Public Relations)