Preserving Indramayu’s Heritage

Wata is a versatile artist. In Tambi village, Sliyeg district, Indramayu regency, he is known as a gamelan player, trainer and maker as well as one playing a mask dance musical accompaniment.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

Wata

Wata has never distanced himself from music or performances. Although once forbidden by his father, he immersed himself in arts. He has even formed a music group and opened an art studio to train children in his village for free.

Wata, 51, maneuvered his fingers on the holes of a bamboo flute he was playing. Its melodious sound accompanyed a story narrated by Samsudin, 50, a roving Indonesian Rare Wildlife storyteller, on Monday (29/3/2021). The laughs and cheers of children made the show livelier.