Rido Widhiono, Dalang Remaja Berprestasi dari Pejagoan Kebumen - Ratih TV Kebumen

Summary

Ridho Widyono, a 17-year-old puppeteer from Watulawang, Kebumen, has earned recognition for his exceptional talent in wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). Despite his young age, he won the Best Presenter award at the 2020 Central Java Youth Puppet Festival and was selected to represent the province at the national level. Ridho's passion for puppetry began early, supported by his family, particularly his father, also involved in the arts. His dedication continues to shine through numerous awards, and he is currently studying arts and culture at SMK Negeri 8 Surakarta, aiming to inspire future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ridho Widyono, a 17-year-old puppeteer from Watulawang Village, Kebumen, has won several prestigious awards in puppetry, including the Best Presenter at the 2020 Central Java Youth Puppetry Festival.
• 😀 Despite being only 17, Ridho earned the title of Best Presenter at the Provincial Youth Puppetry Festival in Central Java, held at Semarang State University.
• 😀 Due to the ongoing harvest season, Ridho's performance for the national festival was assessed via recorded video submissions, which were evaluated by national juries.
• 😀 Ridho competed against other regional champions from provinces like Yogyakarta, East Java, West Java, and others across Indonesia in the national festival.
• 😀 Ridho's interest in puppetry began at a young age, influenced by his family, especially his father, who has been involved in puppetry since Ridho was in 3rd grade.
• 😀 Ridho’s talent and skills in puppetry are supported by his family, especially his father, Wartun Gati Wicoro, who encourages and guides him in his artistic journey.
• 😀 A successful puppetry performance relies on a strong, cohesive team, with collaboration being key to creating effective puppetry shows.
• 😀 Ridho’s ability to perform and his artistry in puppetry have been nurtured from an early age, starting at the age of three, following in his parents' footsteps.
• 😀 Ridho currently studies at SMK Negeri 8 Surakarta, majoring in traditional Javanese arts, particularly karawitan (Javanese music).
• 😀 Ridho has earned numerous accolades, such as the Best Presenter at the Kebumen District Dalang Festival in 2020 and Best Performer in various local puppetry competitions, showcasing his growing prominence in the puppetry community.

Q & A

Who is Ridho Widyono, and where is he from?

Ridho Widyono is a 17-year-old dalang (puppet master) from Watulawang village in Kebumen, Central Java, Indonesia.

What major achievement did Ridho Widyono earn at the 2020 festival?

Ridho Widyono won the Best Presenter (Penyaji Terbaik 1) award at the 2020 Central Java youth puppet festival.

How did Ridho qualify for the national competition?

Ridho qualified for the national competition after winning the provincial youth puppet festival in Semarang. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the national competition was conducted virtually, with submissions sent as video recordings.

What role did Ridho’s family play in his development as a dalang?

Ridho’s family, particularly his parents, played a significant role in supporting and nurturing his interest in traditional arts, especially wayang kulit. His father, a prominent figure in the art, guided him from a young age.

At what age did Ridho start performing in wayang kulit shows?

Ridho began performing in wayang kulit shows at the age of three, following in his family's footsteps.

What other awards has Ridho Widyono won?

In addition to the 2020 Central Java youth puppet festival, Ridho has won several other awards, including the Best Presenter at the Kebumen district level in 2020 and Best Presenter in a traditional wayang kulit festival in Kebumen in 2015.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the national puppet festival?

Due to the pandemic, the national puppet festival, which Ridho was supposed to attend, was held virtually. Participants were required to submit video recordings of their performances instead of attending in person.

What values does Ridho’s father emphasize in his son’s journey as a dalang?

Ridho's father emphasizes the importance of dedication, teamwork, and community in the pursuit of becoming a successful dalang. He hopes Ridho will surpass his own achievements and become a role model for younger generations.

What is Ridho’s current educational path?

Ridho is currently studying at SMK Negeri 8 Surakarta, where he is pursuing a degree in traditional Javanese music and arts, specifically in karawitan (Javanese gamelan music).

What is Ridho's ambition beyond his achievements in puppet theatre?

Ridho aspires to not only excel in wayang kulit but also to inspire others and become a cultural ambassador, maintaining a focus on preserving and advancing traditional Javanese arts.