Community Empowerment Through Wayang Innovation in Wukirsari Village, Imogiri, Bantul for Local Cultural and Economic Development

Abstract

Wukirsari Village in Imogiri Subdistrict, Bantul, Yogyakarta, is known as a center of traditional wayang craftsmanship with high cultural value. However, this craft faces serious challenges in the form of stagnant innovation, low interest among the younger generation, and limited use of digital technology. This community service activity aims to identify forms of innovation in leather puppet products, document good practices, and encourage cross-sector collaboration for the development of a culture-based creative economy. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. The results show significant innovation in contemporary wayang designs, the adoption of modern production aids, and the use of social media as a means of promotion and cultural education. Youth participation has begun to increase through training and apprenticeship programs, although regeneration challenges and digital literacy remain the main constraints. This activity also encouraged the registration of the Wayang Kulit Tatah Sungging Wukirsari product as a Geographical Indication (IG), as a form of legal protection and strengthening market value. These findings indicate that a community empowerment model based on local innovation that integrates the preservation of tradition, technology, and social collaboration can be an effective approach to sustainably strengthening the cultural craft sector.