A puppeteer performs Wayang kulit at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.JAKARTA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- For centuries, the emerald islands of Indonesia have witnessed the convergence of Chinese, Hindu-Buddhist, and Islamic civilizations, forging a cultural tapestry unlike any other. Among its artistic gems, one shines brightest in the hearts of the people: Wayang, a unique theatrical form honored as Indonesia's cultural crown jewel.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows Wayang Kulit puppets exhibited in Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 12, 2025 shows people visit Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows an exterior view of Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.In Javanese, "Wa" signifies the sacred, while "Yang" means shadow-together embodying the divine art of shadows. This classical performance takes many forms, including shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit in Indonesian), wooden puppetry (Wayang Golek in Indonesian), and human puppetry (Wayang Orang in Indonesian),etc. Documented as early as the 11th century, Wayang flourished into its mature form by the 15th century and has been passed down through generations in Java and Bali.A puppeteer performs Wayang Kulit at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.People practice to play glove puppetry known as Wayang Potehi as preparation for upcoming Chinese New Year show at Chinatown in Surabaya, East Java Province, Indonesia, Jan. 10, 2025.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows Wayang Golek puppets exhibited in Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.A dancer performs Wayang Orang as at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.Dancers perform Wayang Orang at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.The performance art of Wayang is breathtaking. Take Wayang Kulit as an example: the exquisitely crafted leather puppets are made from premium rawhide, while their control rods are fashioned from buffalo horn. During performances, a large white square screen stands at the center, surrounded by musicians playing traditional instruments in a semicircle.This photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows shadow puppets of Wayang Kulit at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows Wayang Kulit puppets exhibited in Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.Puppeteers perform Wayang Kulit with the accompaniment of Indonesian traditional musical instruments at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.People watch Wayang Kulit performance at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.Behind the curtain, Dalang, the master puppeteer, serves as the soul of the performance. A storyteller, musician, and philosopher in one, Dalang deftly manipulates dozens of puppets, narrates ancient epics, sings poetic verses, and even strikes metal plates with his toes to keep rhythm. This virtuoso must memorize vast repertoires of classical literature, weaving together philosophy, morality, and artistry, a role that commands deep respect in Indonesian society.Dalang performs Wayang Kulit at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.Dalang performs Wayang Kulit at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.As twilight descends, the magic of Wayang unfolds. Bathed in flickering lamplight and hypnotic music, gods and heroes leap across time, recounting tales of cosmic battles, noble sacrifices, human struggles, and timeless romances. In 2003, UNESCO enshrined Wayang as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its universal cultural significance.Wayang Kulit is performed at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.Wayang Kulit is performed at Yogyakarta Palace complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2025.Dancers prepare to perform Wayang Orang at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.A dancer prepares to perform Wayang Orang at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.Dancers perform Wayang Orang at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.Audience watch Wayang Orang show at Wayang Orang Sriwedari Theatre in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, Dec. 20, 2024.Scholars debate its origins: some trace its roots to Indian epics, others credit Chinese shadow plays introduced during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), while local traditions emphasize its distinct Javanese essence. Regardless, Wayang has evolved into diverse regional styles, even embracing modern elements. Bicycles, airplanes, and high-speed trains now share the stage with mythical figures, reflecting contemporary Indonesian life.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows Wayang puppets in modern dresses incorporating the history of the Indonesia's struggle for independence exhibited in Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia.Fascinatingly, Wayang kulit and Chinese shadow puppetry-cultural "twins" born of different lands share striking similarities in craftsmanship, performance, and narrative. Their intertwined histories speak to centuries of cross-cultural exchange.This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows Chinese-Javanese Wayang Kulit puppets exhibited in Wayang Museum in Jakarta, Indonesia, which reflects cultural exchange and interaction between China and Indonesia. Today, Wayang remains vibrantly alive. It is performed at weddings, festivals, and modern celebrations. For Indonesians, it is a bridge to their ancestors, a living art that pulses with the nation's spirit. In its timeless stories and ever-evolving forms, Wayang captures the soul of Indonesia, a testament to its people's enduring love for life, tradition, and imagination. Photographers: Xu Qin, Sahlan Kurniawan, Agung Kuncahya B., Agung Supriyanto Text: Yu Yang