CTC Wayang Samudra (puppet show) had a busy October in terms of bringing attention to marine ecosystems. We had two different shows, one being hosted in Nusa Penida Island, while another was performed in Nusa Lembongan Island. The first show took place on October 6 at the Nusa Penida Festival 2023, an annual event held on this island. The second one was held on October 15 in Nusa Lembongan Island for an outreach event.

Following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nusa Penida Festival was staged once more in 2023. Both locals and tourists were enthused by this three-day celebration, which took place in Sampalan Field on Nusa Penida Island. As a part of the event, Wayang Samudra have excellent chances to educate the public about the importance of marine conservation and the threats it faces, particularly in Nusa Penida MPA to the wider audiences

The Wayang Samudra narrative, “Samudra Gempar (Ocean Commotion),” warns readers of the perils of plastic pollution in our seas, particularly as it relates to marine life. The narrative centers on a cast of aquatic animals, including whales, puffers, tuna, octopuses, manta rays, and sea turtles, who get puzzled when they come into contact with an unidentified object that keeps upsetting them—it’s plastic. When the two young performers began to create a pantun (oral poetic form) to make the audience laugh and express their appreciation, the event was in full swing.

The second show was one of Nusa Lembongan’s fun learning activities. There were at least 35 neighborhood children who attended the session on coral clay. Rili Djohani, the executive director of CTC, also came to lead the children’s session. This session concluded with the Wayang Samudra performance. We also hosted two representatives from Samudera Peduli, who assisted us in this enjoyable learning exercise and the Proudfoot crew, who filmed our fun learning activities. 

“The ocean puppets were so great. It’s the best medium to share knowledge about marine conservation and its threat, especially for children or the public.”  said Adam from Samudera Peduli.

By using the artistic medium, we aim to inspire people to love the oceans, particularly shadow puppetry. In addition, CTC is also committed to support the management of Nusa Penida MPA in order to raise public awareness of marine conservation through our outreach programs and fun learning activities.

Writer: Adam Putra
Photos: Evi Ihsan/CTC, Adam Putra/CTC, Arapa Efendi/CTC