The three puppeteers are Ki Jiyo Harjo Suwito, an ITB Mathematics alumnus who appeared on Pathet Nem; Ki Andriyanto Setyawan, an ITB Physics Engineering alumnus, Pathet Sanga; and Ki Bambang Sadarta, an ITB Petroleum Engineering alumnus, Pathet Manyura. Coming from three different fields of study, the three were brought together again by the arts stage at their alma mater.

Performance Amarta Binangun: It is not only a performance but also a space for camaraderie between the extended PSTK ITB Alumni family, active students, and art activists. The initiator of the activity, Prof. Ir. Edi Leksono, M.Eng., Ph.D., said that the meeting was deliberately realized through joint work.

"It's a gathering place for active members and alumni of PSTK ITB, as well as all arts activists. It's not just a hangout but a joint performance," he said.

^{Live demonstration of craft-making by Omah Seni Melikan, Saturday (August 15, 2026). (Herdina Primasanti)}

This activity is also part of the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Amarta Binangun is a collaboration with Waras Wiris Wirama, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Reksa Budaya), Melikan Art House, PSTK ITB, and the PSTK ITB Alumni Family.

PSTK ITB and the Cross-Generation Cultural Network

Since its establishment on March 7, 1971, PSTK ITB has been a part of the arts and cultural journey at ITB for over five decades. Through dance, gamelan, and various Javanese art forms, PSTK provides a space for students to learn, develop, and create, while also exploring and preserving Javanese culture within their academic lives.

The network doesn't stop when students complete their studies. Amarta Binangun alumni once again take on roles as performers and contribute to the sustainability of arts activities within the PSTK community. These contributions come through their work, time, networks, and direct involvement in cultural activities.

^{Ki Bambang Sadarta, an alumnus of ITB's Petroleum Engineering, said Janturan Of Pathet Manyura of Amarta Binangun, Saturday (August 15, 2026). (Alfian Rahma Ayu Indrajati)}

Head of PSTK ITB 2026, Elvina Padmasari, said that this spirit is in line with the direction of the 2026 ITB PSTK management under the Management BoardAntakaraThe name Antakara is interpreted as a connecting space that represents the hope of bridging the ideas and aspirations of all members of PSTK.

"Antakara can be interpreted as a connecting space, which represents our hope that this management can be a link between ideas, aspirations, and all PSTK members, while also maintaining PSTK as a space for the arts and preserving Javanese culture at ITB," said Vina.

This spirit of connectedness is manifested through various collaborative spaces between current students and alumni, including openness for alumni to retrain in dance and gamelan together. The PSTK extended family network across generations is also continuously maintained as a space for sharing information, experiences, and collaboration opportunities.

^{Children's performance by Widyasiwi Laksitatama, Omah Seni Melikan, Saturday (August 15, 2026). (ITB/Herdina Primasanti)}

The sustainability of PSTK activities is also reflected in various achievements, one of which is Gandrung Marsan, who achieved 1st place as a winner of ITB Got Talent. There is also scheduled to be featured again at the ITB Unit Open House in Jatinangor on August 30th.

The academic fields may differ, but cultural spaces can be a bond that continues to connect alumni with their alma mater.

From Alumni to Young Puppeteers

The spirit of regeneration is also present through involvement with Widyasiwi Laksitatama, Melikan Art House (OSM), Wedi, Klaten, which presents dance and shadow puppet performances by early childhood and elementary school children.

One of the performers who also showed off their skills was a young puppeteer who participated in a series of performances. His presence demonstrates that the regeneration of puppetry is taking place by providing a space for the younger generation to learn, perform, and experience the art they are studying firsthand.

^{Young puppeteer Mas Iyo demonstrates his skills in a flower war scene on Saturday (August 15, 2026). (ITB/Herdina Primasanti)}

The show was also enlivened by Gambyong Ayun-Ayun dance, which complements the puppetry offerings and enriches the diversity of Javanese traditional arts on one stage. Wayang performances are held during the day, making them accessible to all age groups, including children and elders.

The songs presented are also directed so that they can be sung together, such as Tembang Suluk Pesisir, which was sung by the active masses of PSTK ITB in Pathet Manyura. In this way, the audience is not only present as a witness but also takes part in the artistic experience.

This series demonstrates that cultural preservation requires more than simply preserving an art form. Art must be continually studied, practiced, performed, and passed down to keep its ecosystem alive.

^{A musician accompanying the Wayang Kulit performance Amarta Binangun in the West Hall of ITB, Saturday (August 15, 2026). (Herdina Primasanti)}

This spirit is reflected in the idea to survive Javanese arts and culture—revitalizing its ecosystem through practice, performance, collaboration, regeneration, and the involvement of various generations.

Through Amarta Binangun, PSTK ITB shows that cultural preservation is not just about keeping traditions alive but also ensuring that there is always space for each generation to learn, live, and continue it.

Reporter: Vito Egi Nandriansyah (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)