The New Order and Reformasi: The Wayang Scene in Semarang

This field note describes the impact of politics on wayang performance in Semarang during Indonesia’s New Order and Reformasi periods. Under Governor Soewardi’s “yellowizing” campaign, wayang kulit events became state-controlled spectacles, complete with enforced yellow costumes and variety-show elements. While popular with audiences, they drew criticism from traditional dhalang such as Ki Timbul Hadiprajitno. With Reformasi, state-organized performances declined, but puppeteers embraced new freedoms, often using performances for political expression. Meanwhile, wayang orang experienced a modest revival, with Semarang’s Ngesthi Pandowo troupe sustaining audiences during the economic crisis.