VIVAnews - Shadow puppeteer Ki Manteb Soedharsono received the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize Award 2010 for the category of culture. Ki Manteb is the fourth recipient from Indonesia after senior economist Widjojo Nitisastro, actress Christine Hakim and Kotagede areas researcher and sustainability activist, Laretna T Adhisakti. The awards will be handed out in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, May 19.
Manteb is awarded with the prize due to his significant contribution in shadow puppet preservation. The puppeteer, who is known for his ‘oye’ slogan, has also been persistently showing his devotion to the particular art show.
Ki Manteb said he was surprised when a Nikkei representative called to tell him about the news. He did not expect the call because he never proposed to get the award. “They asked me if I was ready to receive the prize and I said yes. It turned out that I was recommended by the Japanese Embassy”.
During the reception ceremony, Ki Manteb will be wearing a complete Javanese traditional outfit and bringing along two leather puppets for a demonstration during his formal speech. “The Japanese Prime Minister may be there. So at least, I’ll be able to put a good name to Indonesia,” Manteb said.
The Annual Nikkei Asia Prize Awards were launched in 1997 by Nikkei Inc, a company that publishes Japanese reputable business paper, Nikkei. The corporation also provides online information services, publishes books and becomes the name of a highly-observed stock index in Tokyo.
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Coverage by: Fajar Sodiq l Solo
Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
