By Arif Setiawan

Gibbon and Jingkrak sundhang dance perform

This piece highlights how traditional practices in Javanese culture align with environmental sustainability, from using bamboo containers and leaf wraps to batik patterns inspired by nature. Traditional Javanese houses reflect the philosophy of nature in their construction. The richness of Javanese performing arts is an invaluable cultural asset, with traditional dances like Javanese dance incorporating messages about life, ecological, and social critiques.

Swaraowa initiated the use of art and culture to convey messages of nature conservation through the gibbon puppet show in 2021. Collaboration with artists like Ki Sujono (javanese cultural artist) has resulted in performances that combine science observations with performing arts. The first gibbon puppet show was held in Tlogopakis Village, Petungkriyonon (watch here), followed by a second performance at the World Gibbon Day event in 2024.

gibbon puppet show with gamelan instrument

In January 2025, Swaraowa collaborated again with the Saujana art studio to create a dance performance titled “Jingkrak Sundhang x Owa jawa ,” depicting the condition of animals’ habitats that are damaged. The performance also involved the community of Mendolo village in the preparation process, fostering creativity and unity while enhancing cognitive skills among participants.

Through performing arts, conservation messages can be effectively communicated, raising awareness about the importance of ecosystem preservation and encouraging communities to contribute to cultural and environmental preservation efforts. Through swaraOwa culture and conservation program, we open the opportunity to work together to increase the number of performances of this conservation art, anywhere, especially for Indonesian gibbon species and local culture.