๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ยฐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ง ๐ ๐จ๐ฅ๐ค๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐
Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) is proud to announce that three of its accomplished lecturersโClara Evi C. Citraningtyas, Ph.D., Desi Dwi Kristanto, M.Ds., and Slamet Budiharjo, M.A.โhave received a prestigious international award, the AIFIS (American Institute for Indonesian Studies) 2024 Grant for their innovative project, The 360ยฐ Animation Video of Rara Janitra. This creative adaptation reimagines the traditional Indonesian folktale Rara Jonggrang to reflect contemporary values, such as gender equality and collaboration into its narrative. The Rara Janitra animation is based on a story written by Clara Evi C. Citraningtyas, originally published in 2015 under the same title.
Folktales play a crucial role in informing, instructing, and preparing people to become valuable members of society. However, as societies evolve, many folktales remain unchanged, including a significant number in Indonesia. While many of these stories provide meaningful lessons, others contain dated or even non-productive teachings. The Rara Janitra project addresses this concern by offering a modern retelling of Rara Jonggrang that aligns with today's values while maintaining cultural integrity.
โFolktales should grow with society. Rewriting them and presenting them through modern media ensures they remain relevant and significant, appealing to modern audiences,โ said Dr. Citraningtyas.
Created in collaboration with UPJ students, Rara Janitra is presented in English and designed to engage local and global audiences. It utilizes cutting-edge 360ยฐ technology to provide an immersive storytelling experience.
A special launch and public screening of Rara Janitra will be held on December 13, 2024, at Theater 1, UPJ Campus. Over 100 attendees are expected, with VR headsets provided for a captivating viewing experience.
The animation will also be uploaded to YouTube to reach broader audiences, inspiring discussions on gender equality, collaboration, and cultural renewal. The project exemplifies how rewriting folktales ensures they evolve with the times, preserving their significance for future generations.